Splendidly Sweet

This Year I…

2011-12-31T18:19:00.001-05:00

Had a traumatic experience- but learned who was really in my corner.

Graduated with my Masters degree- Finally.

Attended Cassandra’s Marie’s Danse des Fleurs- and met some new wonderful friends and reconnected with some beautiful souls.

Went to court- and started on Ativan.

Finished our Unnamed Poker League- definitely not in first place!

Lost a job- but not the true friends I had met there.

Planned a wedding- and found it stressful for reasons I’d never imagined.

Blew a super important interview- I was just so nervous.

Learned how to make fried rice.

Celebrated my Dirty 30 birthday- the same night as my bachelorette party.

Got laid off from the job I had had for 5 years- I never thought I’d be unemployed after finishing graduate school, but enjoyed the break.

Got married to Mr. Right- and then mini-mooned in Las Vegas.

Danced with my Grandpa again, but for the first time in I don’t know how many years.

Lost Matt’s aunt- and regretted not being a better friend to her.

Started selling my crafts in a local store- keeping busy while out of work.

Did my first and second craft show- even though it was a bust.

Went to my first poker game without Matt- and still had a blast.

Grew so much closer to some people- even some who I never thought there would ever be closeness with.

Got flown out by a potential employer to interview- and learned how to be confident.

Got a new job in research- from academia to industry, but a lateral move…

Moved out of my home state- I always wanted to prove myself, but I miss home.

Let a relationship go- I am still sad and think about it often, but my time with her was at an end.

Celebrated our first Christmas as a married couple away from all our friends and family- it was good, but sad, too.

And tonight we will celebrate the new year together, with Bella, at home.

Good and bad, it has been an event packed year for sure!

What will the new year bring?

And the winner is…

2011-11-10T18:48:00.001-05:00

Number 6!!

Karen Valentine

But don’t fret… I’ve reached 100 followers thanks to Molly Knox!!! A celebratory giveaway soon to follow!

Giveaways!

2011-11-09T08:34:00.001-05:00

Today, I wanted to share with you three fabulous giveaways!

First, Shelly is giving away a customized handmade lace trim necklace!

You won’t win the necklace shown here- instead, Shelly will create one in the colors of your choice!

But hurry! This giveaway ends November 15th! Click Here to go visit Shelly at Bungalow Bling!

The second giveaway is for a veritable treasure of French farmhouse goods!

Becky is giving you the chance to enter to win not one, but 7 different pieces! But hurry, her giveaway ends November 15th, too! Click Here to visit Junk to Joy!

And last, but certainly not least, Rebecca is giving you a chance to win a vintage train case, ready for you to alter!

To enter, and for more ideas on how you could create one of these beauties, click Here to visit A Gathering Place!

And speaking of giveaways, don’t forget to enter my mini giveaway, one post below!! I see I almost have 100 followers, too!! Once I reach that magical number, I’ll definitely have a super spectacular giveaway to celebrate!

Antique Jewelry Hull, a New Project, and a Giveaway!

2011-11-01T11:05:00.001-04:00

Happy November!

This past weekend, I visited a local antique store for the first time. Actually, I had tried to go there before, but I got totally lost!

Ok, I also got lost this time….And I was only 5 miles away from it!!!

It took me an hour to find it- thank goodness for cellphones with internet on them!

Luckily, I *did* find it! I found a gorgeous blue headband with silk millinery, and tons and tons of jewelry!

Most of the earrings and pins I bought were only $1-1.50!!

Dazzling rhinestones in pink and blue…

Blue, white, and cream pearls, cameo earrings, and a sweet necklace.

This weekend, I also worked on a new style of my Noel blocks.

These ones are covered with flocked vintage wallpaper and have the silver German glass glitter lettering. Which ones do you like better?

Lastly, in celebration of the upcoming holiday season, I’m having a giveaway!

Up for grabs is a splendidly sweet altered mini notebook. It’s embellished with vintage millinery, rhinestones, and even has a cute little bookmark to save your spot. I will also include a few more surprises for the winner

You can earn up to 3 entries- please leave a separate comment for each entry and I will draw a winner at random on November 10th:

1. Leaving a comment on this post will earn you 1 entry.

2. Liking Splendidly Sweet’s Facebook Page will earn you another comment.

3. And posting a link from your blog to mine will earn you a third entry.

Good Luck!

The Meaning of Our Wedding

2011-10-25T22:29:00.001-04:00

For so long, I’ve struggled with this post. Most likely because I had struggled to define what a “wedding” truly was.

Our wedding was August 5th.

The ceremony was Matt and mine.

We chose the readings; even though Matt is not religious, he let me include some bible passages and he chose some poems. My family was included in the ceremony, even though they could all not be part of the wedding party.

Matt read “These I Can Promise” and I cried when I read back “Love” by Roy Croft.

(I didn’t make it past the first line without starting to cry.)

We exchanged rings, kissed, and held hands.

But that was only the first 15 minutes of the “wedding”- the part that was for us.

The rest of the wedding was for a memory…

The dresses… (The girls wore vintage slip dresses, handmade by Amanda Rose.)

The fans…

The flowers…

The venue…

The little pieces I made, even the photographer missed- the remembrance candles, the table numbers, the guest book… Everything our wedding was about was for family (and friends, you are our family, too).

Our wedding wasn’t just about the vows, the dresses, the rings, the flowers… It was about the people who came to it, who love us, who are our Family. We put so much of ourselves into designing the perfect evening for our guests *because* we were not only celebrating our union, but those people who came to share it with us. At least, this is how I felt through the whole process.

And that’s what made it a little heartbreaking when people who were expected to be there didn’t show up. And I don’t just mean friends and family from out of town- Matt’s own grandparents and my uncle didn’t come. They didn’t just not show up- their RSVP was a decline. It’s easy to say it’s their loss- the other guests would say they missed great food and a beautiful party- but it is our loss, too. However, I have become more thankful for the people who chose to be part of our lives and appreciate us ever more so.

There were so many ups and downs, excitement and disappointments, happiness and tears that were unexpected. But in the end, it was a labor of love, in many different ways, and what memories were made to look back on!

Beads, Beautiful Beads!

2011-06-15T18:26:00.002-04:00

Sarah hosted a bead swap recently and I was lucky to participate!

When I received my package, I was giddy with excitement! It’s been so long since I’ve participated in a swap!

Inside were 3 precious gifts from my talented partner, Rhea!

The first piece was a delicate embellished piece of china Rhea altered into a wall hanging. I think I’ve found the perfect spot in my studio for it!

In this box, I found a stunning piece of jewelry with pink and blue rhinestones wrapped inside a vintage handkerchief! Just gorgeous!

I saved the largest box for last… because it was my favorite, and I almost died when I took it out of the box!! Such beautiful cream and blue!

In it, was another vintage handkerchief holding hand picked beads…

Such beautiful beads!! Glass, mother of pearl, swarovski, czech glass, chandelier crystals… All in an array of pinks, light blue, and a creamy white!

I must say, I was nervous making a package for Rhea! I wanted to find the perfect beads and focal point for her!

Our colors were very similar, though, and I re-learned what was aqua and what was light blue! Lol

So I chose these pink, aqua, white and cream beads for her…

And placed them inside a rose trinket box I embellished with pink swarovski crystals…

And then I stamped a kraft box with French text and graced it with pink and aqua handmade roses, vintage lace, and bling to send off the beads and some surprises! (You can check out her blog to find out what those were and also see her amazing cakes and other goodies while you’re there! http://www.sweetnshabbyroses.blogspot.com/)

Rhea spoiled me silly!! I totally adored her altered boxes and hand-picked beads- Thank you SO MUCH, Rhea! And thank you, Sarah, for pairing the two of us- it was so much fun picking out beads! I can’t wait for the next swap!

Cassandra VanCuren presents Marie's Danse des Fleurs!!

2011-01-01T09:30:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends!!! It's been oh so long since I've posted!! I have been keeping my head above water between my two jobs and the holidays and an incredibly busy summer, but I wanted to let you know about a special event I will be attending in February of 2011! It's Cassandra Van Curen's Marie's Danse des Fleurs!!

Image courtesy of Cassandra VanCuren http://myartfuladventures.blotspot.com

This incredible event will be hosted by the sweet and lovely Cassandra VanCuren herself, along with teachers; Kimberly Ryan, Bryanna Lenan, Heidi Wallingford, and Jennifer Hayslip!

This amazing 2 day event will be held at the posh Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Fl, so get ready for some fun in the sun!! Definitely a wonderful reprieve for those of us who live in the north where there's 6 months of winter every year!! I can't wait for the escape!

The event will kick off with two make and take projects by Kimberly Ryan and Bryanna Lenan, including a gorgeous hand mirror and a scrumptious faux cake!

Saturday evening, indulge yourself at the Grand Ball!! Clothed in the finest Marie fashions, taste the most decadent sweets, make new BFFs and admire the beauty Cassandra has created! And you'll be able to purchase some astounding works of art to fill your home with memories of your enchanted evening during Marie's Market Soiree, from 7:30-10:00pm.

Sunday will be filled with projects exploring your creativity with making a Marie style hot air balloon, Marie's altered cigar box, and a Marie inspired statement necklace! After all of the fun, Cassandra has arranged for a lavish dinner of the finest French cuisine!

If you're not ready to depart come Monday, you can head on down to the Webster Flea Market with us for a day of "flea"-ing delights!

For photos, more details and registration, please visit http://mariesdansedesfleurs.blogspot.com/2010/03/maries-danse-des-fleurs-art-event-and.html. But HURRY!!! Time is running out! I can't wait to see you in February!!

I’m Getting Married!!!!!!!

2010-06-08T22:14:00.001-04:00

Hello!! It’s been sooooo long!!! I’ve missed so much- including my one year blogaversary!!! Ahhh!! I will have a giveaway for that soon- hopefully sometime this month, so stay tuned!!

It’s been crazy here and now you know why--- I’m finally getting married!!

Matt and I have been together since 04/05/06. We met at work when I was terribly adverse to having a relationship, much less dating someone I worked with. But it must have been the eyes….

We were engaged one morning, in bed, in January 2009. Matt wore the ring on his pinky all night- lol :)

And now we have been blessed by my parents and are able to have an actual wedding! My dad passed in 2001, but him and my mother set aside a wedding fund for me and my sister. My mom turned 60- today actually- and had waited until she could access the fund to let me know. So it really has been very recent since we found out we could have a wedding!

The reason we have to have a wedding next spring is because I am losing my job at the Research Institute on Addictions because my boss’ grant runs out. So I will be without a job after next June or July. And then we will probably have to move so I can have a *real* job- he he. We didn’t want to have to come back to have the wedding if we had already moved…. soo…. time to rush!!

I’ve already picked out my dress!!

I hope I can lose all this weight so I can look like this in it! lol!

This is the back of it- I just fell in LOVE with the train!!!

I also picked out the bridesmaid dresses:

These look kind of white, but they are blue with a gold lace overlay!

And the tux:

Tomorrow I am going to put the deposit down on our ceremony and reception venue: The Avanti Mansion

This is the mansion, however, they are building an entirely new facility that opens in August of this year. Inside will be a library and a ballroom. We are planning on having the reception in the ballroom, which will be gorgeous with antique style furniture and faux marble floors and also a huuuuge staircase entering into the ballroom! Plus, the bridal suite will be upstairs with a balcony overlooking the ballroom which I think is sooo cool!

Unfortunately, we will not be able to go into the real mansion the day of the wedding (because another party will rent out the tent that has been in use for receptions all these years) or the gardens over there because it belongs with the reception tent, but I don’t think that will be too big a deal. There will be a tiered ceremony site along a little creek on our side and we will also have a patio outside of the ballroom that our guests can use to dance under the stars!

And, we are going to have such a cool dinner service!! They do a live grill there- so everything is made to order and you can eat as much as you want! Plus, dinner is served to all guests in 10 minutes, so no waiting around for everyone to get their food and be able to eat!

I’m sooo excited! :) Finding a reception venue has been very stressful, so I’m kind of glad that part is over. On to funner stuff!!

Don’t you want to come?!?! Lol :) I am definitely inviting some of my blog friends- ones I’ve met in real life and ones I haven’t met yet- and I would just be in heaven if everyone could come! So look out for your Save The Dates! :) Tomorrow I will be back with a Set-In-Stone-Date! Have a wonderful week and thank you for sharing in my happiness!

Simple Joy

2010-05-02T14:14:00.002-04:00

I’m not quite done with my story of my vacation in Georgia, but remember all those swaps I kept writing about… well I have received them all and I want to share one of them with you today! :)

I participated in Linda’s A Swap For All Seasons Tussie Mussie Swap and my partner was Louise Granlund. Once we exchanged emails, we knew we had the same tastes! This was the first tussie mussie I’d ever attempted and I could not for the life of me find a paper mache cone! So I used what I had and created this for Louise…

To see the articles I included in the Tussie Mussie, you’ll have to visit Louise’s blog, because I forgot to take pictures before sending it off! But she had told me she loved Primas… :)

I was having a bad day the day that I received Louise’s Tussie Mussie, but that all changed drastically the moment I opened up her package!

Louise made me this gorgeous shabby chic Tussie Mussie! Just look at the beautiful torn paper strips in pale blue, cream, and pink… And that gorgeous lace trim!

And inside, two little girls in bonnets smiled back at me with beautiful pink flowers :)

Here are the things stashed inside… A beautiful rose handkerchief which was from her mother(!!!), two lace trims, a gold spoon, a tiny calendar, a gorgeous sewn hand (which I just ADORE!!), unique flower crystals, and a tiny little picture frame with a sweet little collage inside…

And then, there were even more gifts!

A sweet card from Louise and handmade “Card Candy” flowers in sweet shabby chic style…

Tons of paper ephemera and cards in my favorite 50’s vintage style! And from her sister-in-law’s family!

And a sweet, sweet yellow handkerchief card- a gorgeous collectors item!

I almost cried when I saw the thought and love Louise had put into this swap for me. Especially for sharing items with me that were part of her own heritage! But even though the gifts were wonderful, beautiful, and so very considerate, it was the feeling of connection- that someone, a stranger, had taken the time to know me and really Understood the kinds of things that I loved that brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much, Louise. This swap really touched my heart and I will treasure these heirlooms, always.

Petticoats & Parasols

2010-04-29T10:35:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time, a shy young girl woke up and found herself living in a dream…

Beauty was everywhere she turned…

Sweet delicacies of the finest kind were laid out for all to enjoy…

Graciously prepared by the angel with the biggest heart, Rosalyn-Sue.

A pile of presents awaited each girl who wished for one…

And she made posie princess boxes in return…

And an exquisite feast was laid out alongside beautiful peach concoctions to be shared among all the travelers.

Suddenly, another beautiful angel appeared to welcome her to this fine place…

Jennnifer Hayslip & Cassandra VanCuren

And an awe inspiring speech about the strength and creativity of women commenced…

Jo Packham

New friendships were formed…

Karen DeCapite & Jodie LeJeune

And old ones renewed…

Jo Packham, Tiffany Kirchner Dixon, & Amada Lebel

Which kept the scary ghosts at bay…

In the morning, a splendid breakfast was enjoyed by all before they continued on our journey of delights.

Beautiful treasures were found…

Cassandra VanCuren

And the young girl was entertained by a sweet baby boy and his shiny marble…

Coe Polk

In the midst of incredible scenery…

And then pirates invaded their party! Stealing the heart of one of their own…

And trying to make off with the Little Bluebird…

But Marvin came to the rescue…

And they were whisked away to a delightful bakery, filled with Southern Belles in their finest and beautiful trinkets to be had…

The sky filled with clouds the next morning, and refreshing rain poured down from the skies, brining showers of creativity and talent…

Beauty was everywhere…

And gifts of knowledge were bestowed upon them…

It was hard to leave this beautiful place of sharing, friendship, and creativity…

But the shy young girl made such wonderful friendships during her stay, she knew she would live happily ever after.

Miss Rhea’s Easter Basket Swap Reveal!!

2010-04-03T11:30:00.001-04:00

This Easter, I feel so incredibly blessed. I am so thankful for my friends and family, my new part time job, especially in this economy, the beautiful weather we are having here… I only wish I could do more to give back!

I love to participate in swaps, as you well know, and today I get to show you the beautiful Easter Baskets I have received! Are you ready for the picture show?!

This basket is from Deb! Isn’t it sweet with the felt egg and gorgeous chenille? I just love the fabric baskets!

A perfectly pink felt egg!

A sweet little flower patterned bunny, a gorgeous vintage Easter postcard, the most adorable bunny and chick figurine, a cute pink bunny cupcake topper, lovely bunny stamp, and a blue bunny ornament!! Note: There was also a box of chocolates, but um… they couldn’t be photographed as they hopped into my mouth as soon as they were spied! :)

Thank you so much, Deb, for your beautiful basket and all these delightful treats!!! :D

This Easter basket and gifts are from Pam! She included a sweet bunny, chocolate bunny, and chick figurine, a beautiful handmade cross, a pretty flower bookmark, pink, white and black paper flowers, and beautiful photo cards of photographs she has taken! They’re just stunning!

A close up of the flowers on the basket handle- aren’t they gorgeous?!?! I just love them…

And look!!! A beautiful flower encrusted egg!!! I am seriously loving this egg!

Thank you so much, Pam, for making such a beautiful swap for me!!

Lastly, I won Shell’s giveaway for one of the extra Easter baskets that she made!

Such beautiful details!!! Let’s have a closer look…

I am in love with gingham!! How’d she know :) And look at those dainty butterflies!

They’ve laid tiny butterfly eggs as rhinestones on the handle! :)

As if that wasn’t enough, the basket came with two cute as can be vintage postcards- one finished with sparkling silver glitter! And candies!!! Yummmmm. Which I have been Good, and haven’t eaten yet!! lol :)

Thank you so much, Shell, for this generous giveaway gift!!!

I just love Easter, Spring, and the promise of new and renewed life… I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing these beautiful gifts- which I’ll keep out all year round!!! :) Thank you for visiting me today and I hope that your Easter is blessed with love and joy!

Behind…

2010-03-29T23:21:00.001-04:00

I am so very far behind updating about precious pieces I’ve found or been given in giveaways… So here are a few things.

Pretty little things :)

(Little birdies in nests from Kitty & Me Designs, Mouse with cherry on cupcake from Myko Bocek Studios, Candy Chick (behind those gorgeous feathers) from Cari Skuse for Haiti by Hand, Pink Heart Pillow Sachet from Natalea Kandefer won at her Valentine’s Day Tea Party, and Spring is Here Martini Glass Doll from Sandy)

A close up of Sandy’s doll… I drooled over this for a month until I couldn’t stand it anymore and had to have it!!! Inside the glass are an old key, a domino, vintage buttons, a ballerina, and a pink nesting spring bird! But truly, it was the feathers, the fan, the beautiful doll, and bird that told me I needed this :)

This is my collection of Primas before the giveaway…

And here’s what $100 of Prima goodies looks like…

Last week I had an order for some cute little baby boy carnival tickets:

And I made this quick tag as a special thank you for their order :)

More super quick pieces are these cards I made for Deb, Pam, and Jodie :)

I’m not the greatest card maker… but I felt like I should send cards along with the little treasures I sent to these beautiful ladies!

That’s all for tonight :) I have to get to bed! Bella’s already up there warming it up for me- hehe :) Thank you for visiting and have a wonderful day!

A "Giveaway" You Will Definitely Win (If you live in the U.S.)!!!!

2010-03-28T12:58:00.002-04:00

Ok- please forgive me if you think this is tacky…. but I know I would want to be informed of something I could get for free!!! (And brand new, too!)

While browsing the web the other day, I came across this coupon… For one COMPLETELY FREE pair of panties from Victoria’s Secret!! (And who doesn’t need more panties??)

All you have to do is follow this link: http://www2.victoriassecret.com/onlineemail/?c=30980_FB07518D3F23B27FA475034F089F03E7, print out the coupon, and take it to your nearest VS store. The best part- NO PURCHASE NECESSARY and no shipping charges! Yeay!!! :) So go get your free undies! :)

Hippity Hoppity

2010-03-25T14:32:00.001-04:00

Easter is just around the corner!!

When I was little, the Easter Bunny (aka My mom) used

to hide our Easter baskets and presents!

Easter morning, my sister and I would wake up early, just

like Christmas morning, and go in search of our Easter baskets…

I’ve found mine hidden in the shower, in the wall where the

circuit breakers were, behind the sofa, in the pantry…

Where did you find yours? :)

Beautiful giveaways!

2010-03-14T19:57:00.003-04:00

Roses?

Earrings?

Necklace?

Lori of Katie’s Rose Cottage is having an extraordinary giveaway!

Please click on the image to visit her blog for more information on how to win!! :)

Pink not your thing? (You could always send it to me!! lol :))

How about black, white, and cream??

Click on over to Linda's blog, Robin's Egg Blues, to see how you could win this gorgeous giveaway, celebrating Linda's 1 year blog anniversary!

And here are some Teaser photos from my yogurt cup Easter basket for Miss Rhea’s Easter Basket Swap!! :)

Don’t forget to scroll down to see my post from yesterday- showing off pictures of my gorgeous lacey dress for P&P dress up! :)

Yippie!!!!! Here it is!!!

2010-03-13T17:20:00.001-05:00

Gorgeous cream….

Lace and tulle ruffles

My dress for Petticoats & Parasols Cupcake Party/Vendor Night!!!!!

(Of course I couldn’t show it all…) :)

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, ohmygosh!!! I GOT IT!

2010-03-12T18:37:00.001-05:00

No.. not THAT it- for all of you who have read Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret. lol :)

I got the dress I am going to wear for Petticoats & Parasols!!!!!

It is a bit over the top.

It is not vintage, but it is in vintage style. Cream, tulle, lace tiers….

It is just GORGEOUS!!! Lol- someone besides me should wear it!!

I can’t take a picture of it right now because there’s no light!! Tomorrow… :)

I still can’t believe it’s mine!! :)

Yes.... Seriously.

2010-03-11T22:20:00.005-05:00

Another Swap!!! :D

This one is being put together by Sarah, the sweetheart of My So Called Junky Life. She makes the most gorgeous jewelry, so be sure to check out her blog and Etsy page!

Please click on the image above if you'd like to join!!

I have finally started on my P&P swaps! Well, at least I know what I'm going to make up... Now I just have to get all the pieces together. No matter how many supplies I seem to have, I never have quite the right thing to complete my projects!! This time, I had to order more little pastel posies- from Andrea at Popalicioustoo! She just sent me something on Monday... I feel bad for making her go to the post office again!! (like I'm her only customer... I'm sure she has to go all the time!! She should just make the mailman pick everything up at her house! Well- maybe she does!)

And my gosh, have you seen the new Primas??? They are just gorgeous!! Michelle, from A Million Memories, just sent out an email the other day with all the new ones she stocked her store with.... I really need to win the lottery!! Ok, so first would be pay off my mom's house and car, plan a wedding, then figure out where to move and buy a house... maybe a nice vacation... and then Crafting supplies shopping spree!! lol :) haha- maybe not in that order! Oh, dreams...!

Also- DO NOT MISS your chance to win this gorgeous gorgeous bedding set!!!!

If you win and don't want it- I do!!! lol :) The Creative Connection has a brand new blog and their first giveaway is of this gorgeous blue Summer Sky comforter set, complete with the comforter, shams, bedskirt, and 3 decorative pillows!! I am loving just looking at this :)

I have also started in on my first swap that's due- Rhea's Easter Basket Swap. So far, my cups are painted. Lol- I'm hoping tomorrow I can finish them up, and then I just need to find 3 more things for each of my partners. I always wonder about making something for swaps- instead of buying things... I worry that my partners might not like what I make them- we don't always have the same styles... and I think that at least with embellishing supplies like glitter and ribbons and things, they'll be able to use them to make something they like... Well, I guess the point of making something for someone is so they don't have to do it themselves. :) Ok, well I will think on that a little more.

I gotta say- I am so glad this week is over... Even though it was a good week. (I mean work week.) I am really slacking on writing my Master's project... I think it's because I feel like I should move on, get a better high paying job after I get my Master's- after all, isn't that why I'm paying all this money for school?? But I feel like I'm not ready to go... so I'm stalling. Well, I think my advisor is ready to kick my butt into gear- so I'm glad that the week is over so I can just deal with it next week!! lol :) Did I mention I am a huge procrastinator?? :)

Thank you for stopping by to visit!! If I don't post between now and then, I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

An Awesome, Awesome Giveaway!!!

2010-03-06T08:46:00.003-05:00

Hello Friends!! Here is another awesome giveaway I stumbled across! One with TONS of chances to win!! What will you win, you ask? Well, look below!

The Office Box- A brand new design from The Original Scrapbox!!!! Please click on the text to be taken to their website to see more of their innovative storage solutions! :)

And a signed copy of Wrong Number, the newest Thriller from Rachelle J. Christensen! Here is a trailer to find out more...

There are 25 different blogs participating in this giveaway. Each blog is giving away a preliminary prize and a chance to win an entry into the Grand Prize Drawing.

Here's the list of blogs where you can enter:

The Mommy Files
Cricut Christmas
Little Birdie Secrets
Priscilla Styles
Mommy Mandy
RockinMama
RachelleWrites
Alvor-Dare To Dream
Diony George
Heather Justesen
Queen of the Clan
Scribbled Scraps
Anne Bradshaw
Rachel Rager
Tristi Pinkston
Cami Checketts
Nichole Giles
Wendy Paul
Marilyn Bunderson
Ronda Hinrichson
C.L. Beck: Write Up My Alley
Christine Bryant
Jenni James
Annette Lyon

Swaps and Candies!

2010-03-03T10:36:00.002-05:00

Ok- you're probably aghast and sick of me talking about how many swaps I'm in, but I seriously could not resist these two!!

Jenny's sweet little May Day Petite Basket Swap

Heather's Petite Inspiration Box Swap- Nesting Edition!

If you would like to join in these two swaps, please just click on the images and you'll be taken to all the information you need to sign up!

Ok.... so that means I am doing... 6 different swaps. With... 27 different partners. WHAT??! Lol!!!! My gosh- I'd better get going! Good thing I've found some goodies lately!! Like, yesterday, I ordered lots of vintage trim from A Million Memories! Oh my gosh- I just cannot stay away from that store! Just look at this gorgeous trim!

Photo taken from A Million Memories

Could you pass these up?? I think I just suffer from noselfcontrolitis. lol :)

Now on to some fabulous giveaways!

Created by Jennifer Hayslip
Picture from Lollishops Blog

Created by Sadie Lou Who
Picture from Lollishops Blog

Sadie Lou is having a giveaway for BOTH of these GORGEOUS pieces in honor of Jenn's Petticoats & Parasols event on the Lollishops Blog!! I love them both so much!!! I told Jenn I was going to stalk her vendor booth at P&P so I could get one if I don't win! lol :)

Lollishops Design Team is also having a bunch of giveaways! Please visit these links to each Design Team members' blogs where you can see pictures of their beautiful creations for this month and enter to win their prizes!

Itty Bitty Birdy
Holiday Frivolities
My So Called Junky Life
Gypsy Brocante
and Retro Art Cafe Gallery

Jill is giving away one of her Gorgeous Gypsy rosettes EACH SUNDAY until March 21st!!!

Deb is celebrating several awesome milestones in March by giving away 3 Gorgeous rosettes!

I'm sure there are some I've missed here, but these are the most recent ones I've come across :)
Thank you for stopping by to visit today and I hope you have a Splendidly Sweet day!

PRIMA giveaway!!

2010-02-27T08:03:00.003-05:00

Prima is giving away a prize package worth $100 to celebrate their BIG SECRET!! Hurry over HERE to get the details and sign up for this awesome giveaway! :)

Spring Longings…

2010-02-24T17:04:00.003-05:00

Hello! :) The snowy days are lingering and I’m wishing for the warm spring sunshine! How about

you? Fresh snowfall can indeed be gorgeous, but I’m just aching for spring flowers and no more winter coats!

I have two new pieces to share with you today… The first is my Spring/Easter Twinchie canvas for the ArtHaven Group. I’m leading the special swap for March and I have just been waiting for the perfect time to make my first collage type piece :)

I originally started out with a totally different idea… I was going to have cute little cut out animal shapes in different patterned paper with some flowers in different squares, but this took on a life of its’ own! A bluebird swoops over glittery eggs in her nest while a baby with two grey bunnies frolic on a hillside, spreading Spring cheer! Vintage flowers, findings, and german glass glitter add whimsy and sparkle throughout. A little kitten chases a butterfly who flits by and seems to pop off the picture while sentiments of Easter and Springtime state the joy of the season.

Most of the images are from Crafty Secrets- my favorite company for stamps and things… The image of the kitties (in the bottom row) is from a Peggy Loves Vintage CD image collection. Flowers in the center square are brand new from Prima and surround an old vintage rhinestone. The cute little bluebird button was found at Tessa Ann’s Etsy shop. I’m forgetting where all the trims came from except the vintage pom pom trim which I found at Sugar * Sugar. And the little metal butterfly is from a Making Memories Vintage Findings kit.

I also have a card to share…

Sorry about the bad photo… too much light!

This card is for someone who works with me- she’s leaving us to move back to her hometown, NYC, at the end of this week. I kind of like how this came out- even though I usually don’t like my cards… I debated putting glitter along the edges of the black piece backing the sentiment, but I thought it looked ok without it… What do you think? Also, there is a little black corner piece in one of the corners on the edge of the sentiment… can you spy it? :)

I’ve also given in and joined two Springtime swaps…

Linda’s May Day Tussie Mussie Swap!

And Miss Rhea’s Easter Basket Swap!

If you’d like to sign up for these awesome swaps, please just click on the pictures above and you’ll be taken right to information on how to join!

Hmmm… there’d better not be any more great swaps coming up because I don’t know how many more I can handle!! lol :) I signed up for a huge swap at Petticoats and Parasols where we are making a goodie for each of the 19 girls participating! So I have to get going on that, too…

I would love to sign up for Vivian’s Bunny Swap, but I honestly have no idea how to make a Bunny!! lol :) If you’d like to sign up for that one, though, click HERE!

I’ve also signed up for Cassandra’s new Ezine…

At only $15 for 5 projects and a chance to be in a swap using all your new techniques- it’s a steal! You can click the picture to sign up, too :)

Also, there is an awesome giveaway for this necklace going on at Fabulous K! Please click on the image to visit the blog and enter to win!

That’s all for now… Matt’s camera recently was without batteries, so I haven’t been able to take pictures of all the cool prizes I’ve won through OWOH, but I’ll be sure to get on that for my next post! Have a splendidly sweet day!! :)

Swap Treasures, Tea Party, and OWOH Winner!!

2010-02-15T18:51:00.001-05:00

Hello! :) Today I have some very special things to share with you…. as well as the winner of Wish, my OWOH giveaway prize!!

In the spirit of OWOH, brining people together, I wanted to tell you about how blogging has affected my life since I started about a year ago. Not only is it a creative release, but I have also met some of the most wonderful people through bloglandia. One of these people is Teresa.

I came across her blog one day, thinking that Maggie Grace was such a sweet sounding name and wanting to get to know the person behind the blog because she had attended an event I had read about that I knew I would have adored going to. So I followed a link from that event page, thinking that I would meet someone like-minded, with the same creative interests as myself. Little did I know that by leaving comments, I would open myself to a wonderful, blossoming friendship!

I learned her name was really Teresa, and you’ll just have to visit her blog to find out whom Maggie Grace refers to! I should have known then that I was sent an angel, because I have only ever met one other Theresa in my life- and she was my babysitter for the first 13 years of my life. Since then, we’ve shared some of our deepest, far reaching thoughts and feelings and our friendship has reached beyond the miles that are between us.

Before Christmas, we decided to swap goodies- (because I kept bugging her about this journal she had made for a show in fall that I had completely fallen in love with!! :))

(Taken from Teresa’s blog, Maggie Grace Creates)

One day not too long ago, I received a wonderful package from Teresa with so many delightful goodies inside!!

Beautiful scrapbook papers, tons of different sized tags (maybe so I could create a tag collage as she had been working on this weekend!!), a gorgeous 3 strand bracelet with my favorite color- light blue, and a beautiful hand soldiered pendant with lace inside!!

5 beautiful handmade cards with such sweet vintage images!

And a journal, just for me!!!, with that gorgeous angel paper!

Thank you so much, Teresa!! :)

And I am so excited for this spring because I will actually be meeting Teresa in person when I travel to Georgia to attend the Petticoats and Parasols event!! Teresa isn’t able to go to the event, but I am making a special trip upstate so we’ll be able to finally meet and hang out! :) I can’t wait!!

One other instance of blogging effecting my Real Life stemmed from a recent swap I was in… Last time, I posted about Speckled Egg’s Petite Inspiration Box Swap, and one of my swap partners was Vivian Neroni. We came to find out that we lived only an hour away from each other! And in her kindness, she invited me to Natalea Kandefer’s Valentine’s Day Tea Party.

Hmm… doesn’t this tree look familiar?!?! :) But mine isn’t decorated with nearly as many gorgeous handmade ornaments!! I’ll have to get on that… :)

Pretty Valentine’s Day decorations! See that little doll on the sofa… there are some scary pictures of me giving her a little Valentine’s day love floating around out there… hehe :)

A pretty little Vday vignette!

Sweet petit fours made by the lovely Jenny of Lollipop Workshop!

One of Natalea’s Gorgeous chunky books

A sweet corner of Scarlet’s perfectly pink bedroom!

What party’s complete with out a towering cupcake tower?!

Mmmmm… yummy Earl Grey Tea Cake!

Ornament/gift swap goodies!! (And once again, I forgot to take pictures of the ornament I made… oops!)

It was a wonderful time and Natalea is hostess extrordinaire! And I got to meet Vivian, Jenny, Sandy, and Natalea, of course!

I will share pictures of the wonderful goodies I brought home from the party next time… because my camera ran out of batteries today! :(

I’m so thankful for the friends I’ve made through blogging that mean so much to me and whose love far exceeds the bounds of space and bytes!! OWOH was such a wonderful event- I met so many other bloggers whose work inspired me and overloaded my Google Reader with subscriptions!! Beyond the giveaways, through the heartfelt comments I’ve received and been given, I was reminded that blogging is so much more than pretty pictures and words in cyberspace- it truly is a melting pot of ideas and a wonderful way to connect with others. And I’m so thankful that I’ve been given the chance to meet such beautiful people through this medium!!

Now, for the giveaway… :)

(Drumroll please….)

The Random Generator has chosen number 226!!!!

That’s Deborah!! Congratulations Deborah!! :)

Thank you so much, everyone who left me a heartfelt comment during the giveaway! I may not have been able to get back to you all, but I read every single one and I truly appreciate your time and effort in leaving me a special message :)

Happy Valentine’s Day!!!

2010-02-14T10:33:00.005-05:00

I hope that this day of love finds you celebrating with the ones who bring you joy!

Look what I got for the occasion!!!!!!!!!!!! Or should I say.... WHO!!!

It's a Cheery Cherry Mouse from Myko Bocek Studios!!! Myko creates the cutest needle felted animals I've ever seen, and I've wanted one of her cuties ever since I saw her shop!!! Here's the first one in my collection :) Isn't she the CUTEST!!!!??? Matty Pie is the Bestest!!!! :)

Today, I have pictures of swaps to share with you :) I recently participated in two swaps- Speckled Egg’s Petite Inspiration Box Swap and Cathy’s Amour Valentines Swap! Here are pictures of the boxes I made…

Petite Inspiration Box Swap- oops, I forgot to take pictures of what was inside!!

Amour Valentines Swap

Some of what was inside…

And here are pictures of what I received!!

From Tammy Rose! An altered Book Box with a gorgeous cherub picture surrounded by chunky white glitter!!

Pink rhinestones and cute cherub tags…

Goodies inside the book box…

A closeup of the sweet little Valentine’s Day clothespin doll Tammy made! Isn’t she sooo sweet?

Thank you so much, Tammy!!! :)

This inspiration box was made by April of Frilyyfrolic! It’s so gorgeous and she even used our pictures on each to make them even more special!

Side view…

Sweet goodies inside!!

Thank you so much, April!!! :)

This box was created by Vivian Neroni of Viv’s Whimsy!

Fun goodies inside…

Thank you so much, Viv!!! :)

And lastly, this box was created by Gilda of Gilda’s Handmade!

Goodies inside…!

Thank you so much, Gilda!!!

And thank you so much, Cathy and Heather, for hosting these amazing swaps and helping to make my 2010 Valentine’s swaps so memorable!! I will definitely treasure these boxes for all my Valentine’s days to come!! :)

If you'd like to visit the others who participated in Cathy's Amour Swap, please click on the links below!

Sheila - Faded But Desired Treasures

Melissa - Piney Rose

Janet - Janets Creative Pillows

Debbi - The Wicker Patio

Deborah - Debs Vintage Soul

Trisha - The Brantingham Family

Vera - Olivia Paiges

Gail - The Sassy Beach

Rhea - Sweet n Shabby Roses

Sandy - Hobbnobbers

Sarah - My So Called Junky Life

Eleanor - A Bit of Pink Heaven

Jenny - Fated Follies

Linda - Country Pickins

Joyce - Scrap for Joy

Julie Ann - Kitchen Floor Creations

Stephanie - Rose Petals and Rust

Carol - Songberries

Terri - The Glittered Nest

Lisa - Lisas Craft Boutique

Chastity - One Womens Haven

Cindy - Angel Heart Designs

Tracey - Magical Kardz

Mary - Vintage Patina

Jacalyn - RME Bath Products

Mary Jo - Creative Vintage Cottage

Lisa - Pupylov

Lori - Ruffles Ribbons and Roses

Valarie - Glittery Daze and Nights

Karen - Secondhand Rose

Jayme - Flaming Biscuits On The Farm

Elyse - Tinkered Treasures

Lisa - Pale Pink and Roses

Shannon - Shabby Shans Cottage

Vivian - Vivs Whimsy

Kathy - Lil Bit Old Lil Bit New

Stephanie - Crowns and Pearls

Nancy - Coeur d'Alene Gifts

Karen - My Desert Cottage

Tammy - One Frustrated Momma

Ramona - Samuels Family Frenzy

Cathy - Treasured Heirlooms

Pam - Treasures-N-Textures

Sherry - Sherrys Rose Cottage

Laurie - Mermaid Treasures Art

Sue - Suzeeez

Andrea - Vintage Bella Studio

Hannah - Ashmore Family

Meg - Vintage Garden Home

Nancy - Its Raining Pearls

Josette - My Grammas Soul

Angela - Henny Penny and Chickies

Melissa - Abigails Pocatello

Cassandra - My Artful Adventures

Renee - Vintage Recreations

Lorena - Rose Chic Friends

Amy - Paper Trails Leaver

Stevie - My Art Canvas

Jennifer - Jennifers Petal Palace

Shirl - Shirls Rose Cottage

Lulu - Coastal Sisters News

Jill - Jill Sibbald

Crystal - The Hummingbird Cottage

Hayley - Nesting Notions

Nicole - Gibbys Girl

Bryanna -The Canarys Cupcake

One World One Heart

2010-02-14T00:00:00.001-05:00

This post will remain at the top of my blog until February 15th!! Please scroll down for NEWer posts!! :) Thanky :)

Hello! I am honored to be your next stop as you travel the blog world on your magic carpet! Please come in and have a look around! Although I am a fairly new crafter and blogger, not even reaching my one year blogaversary yet, I do hope you will find some pictures or prose that will inspire you :)

(Note: I swear there is a giveaway, but first, a little about me… :))

My name is Julie Ann and I’m 28. I was born in South Korea, in Seoul, and was adopted when I was 13 months old. I was raised in Rochester, NY but currently live in Buffalo, NY where I am completing my Master’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. However, I’m done with my coursework and am working on my Master’s project- exploring cocaine addiction and a possible treatment called Neuropeptide Y (NPY).

But this blog hasn’t had too much to do with my school or personal life… I began this blog to connect with like-minded people who were into papercrafts. I actually began my love affair with crafting back in February of 2009. It was all sparked by getting engaged! My boyfriend, now fiancee, proposed to me in January and in thinking about ways to have a budget friendly wedding, a lot of the sites were recommending making your own invitations and gifts. So, I actually began my journey with card making. However, I quickly found out how hard it was for me to do!! I don’t know why, but there is something so intimidating about a blank card! I never knew where to start or what to do… I looked all over the internet and saw gorgeous cards I’d love to be making, but I always felt guilty for copying someone else’s idea- so I didn’t.

Soon after, I found unfinished wood, in the form of birdhouses and jewelry boxes. I loved to decorate birdhouses with scrapbook paper and transform them from plain wooden houses to something “uptown” birds would love to live in! My jewelry boxes were covered in gorgeous scrapbook paper and then I quickly moved to luxurious flocked vintage wallpaper.

And then I decided I needed a Cricut so I could customize things and cut out whatever shapes I wanted. Soon after I bought the Cricut, I found a Yahoo group called SCAL Hints. I had no idea what SCAL was, so I joined to learn more about it. There, I began to see that people on the list had blogs and I would visit any one who included their blog within their signature.

That is how I found Penny Duncan. :) She was always so friendly and helpful in the group and her work on her blog was amazing! A very short while after I had joined SCAL Hints, Penny posted that she was going to start her own group called ArtHaven Creations Friendships. I never posted on the list- I am very shy in Real Life and didn’t ever really know what to say- but something told me to see if Penny would let me join her group, so I did. And she did! And I am SO GLAD that I did!!! With ArtHaven, Penny has created a family type atmosphere where we are free to talk about anything and everything! This is a group created around art, but the motto is Friendship first! It is so incredible to me that I have met so many wonderful people through this group which is still rapidly expanding.

Upon exploring blogland, I used to lurk all over the place! Even if I thought something was totally mind blowing, I would still never leave a comment because I was afraid I would be saying something dumb. Everyone whose blog I visited seemed so established, so why would they care about little old me over here, crafting on her kitchen floor (hence the name of the blog!)? However, that all changed one day when Jan Thomason mentioned something about her lurkers and told us to comment on her page! So I said hi- and that I was sheepishly admitting to reading her posts daily, but never saying a thing. And then something happened- she wrote back to me! And here I was, this nobody, being written to by someone else I’d never met before! And that’s the story of how I got over my fear of commenting :) Now I usually don’t give it a second thought- even if this person has published in 40 magazines and is considered one of the greats. My problem now is that my blog roll has grown so big that I don’t have time to comment on every single post! :)

For me, this blog is a record of my personal successes in crafting. I don’t consider myself an artist because I don’t feel like I am creating something brand new. I am more of an embellisher, modifying things and trying to pretty them up :) I usually don’t post all the things I start to create and give up or mess up, but there are a lot of those!! I haven’t expanded this blog too far into my personal life, but I may get there some day. But for now, it’s just usually about completed projects, swaps, and goings on in blogland!

I am a huge lover of all things shabby chic. Well, ok, maybe that is a little big much. I find myself more on the chic side of shabby chic. I love whimsy and pink. I very much appreciate vintage, well kept things, but don’t mind a chip here or scratch there. I love pink and light blue and aqua, white and cream, bright and pastel. I am a complete girly girl and loooooove fouf!!! My favorite things to use when I’m embellishing are feathers, rhinestones, pearls, flocking and glitter.

Whew! That’s a lot of text. LOL! There was supposed to be something about a giveaway in here, right? Well, if you’ve managed to read along this far (or scroll past!), I finally have a picture for you :) Oh. And a GIVEAWAY! :)

Hmm, now that I think about it, I’ve never named a piece before. But I am going to name this one!! It’s called Wish- bet you didn’t know how I came up with that! Lol :) One World One Heart means to me a coming together of a group of people who want to share and connect. Each of us is bringing ourselves to the table to try to better ourselves and reach out to others. We all have hopes, dreams, and wishes. My piece reflects this wish of Peace. Fouffy white feathers surround the wooden star trinket box as if supporting the star on a cloud. The star reflects the light from iridescent pink sequins dancing along its’ edges and glitter plays with the light reaching the tips of the crepe paper medallions. A white dove, with pink glitter tipped wings, sits atop a pink pearl in the heart of the medallions, representing Peace. The top is held in place by magnets which opens up to reveal a star shaped cove in which to put a small but prized treasure.

In honor of One World One Heart, I am offering Wish to one of my commenters. If you would like to enter to win this piece, please leave me one comment on THIS post. You don’t have to have your own blog to leave a comment here, but if you do not have a blog, please leave your name and email address so I can contact you if you’re the winner!! This giveaway will end at 6pm EST on February 14th,2010, and I will post a winner on February 15, 2010.

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and visit! I hope you will come by again and often! Have a wonderful week :)

Tomorrow, tomorrow...

2010-02-11T08:07:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow's the Big Day!!! Be sure to click on the image above to visit Amada's enchanting blog during this event and find out how to enter her extraordinary giveaway going on until the 13th! Trust me, you won't want to miss out! :)

But TODAY, you can enter the giveaway by Edera Jewelry!!

Ivy is celebrating 1000 hearts- Hearts on Etsy, that is! And she's created this gorgeous piece to give away to one of her lucky followers!! Just click on the image to be transported to her beautiful blog and Amazing jewelry!

24 Hour Craft Network!!!!

2010-02-05T09:35:00.005-05:00

Are you interested in participating in beta testing a website that will be dedicated to all kind of crafting 24 hours a day?? I sure am!! Please read the following interview from Creative Chaos with Carol Duvall where she explains what's in the works!

Karin: So, Kelly, now that I've been "personally chosen" to spread the word, what can you tell us about the site.

Kelly: Ummm, I’ve actually told many people about this; but I'm glad you can help us out! The site is not up yet; however, we are hoping to have it ready for beta testing in a a couple of months. What everyone can look forward seeing on the site is the largest fully interactive craft community online which will include many of your crafting idols, a market place where members can sell their own crafts, they will have access to amazing craft projects from the craft industries most talented and most recognized craft experts. We will be the HULU of craft programming.

Karin: That sounds exciting! Can you explain to everyone what that will entail?

Kelly: Well, they will be able to view and discover craft programming they never even knew was out there. We will be producing original icraft Network programming with all the Carol Duvall show regulars and the craft industries leading craft designers as well. There are so many bells and whistles on this site it will literally be a crafters utopia.

Karin: I love utopias! Especially when it involves crafts. So how can crafters participate on theicraftnetwork?

Kelly: There will be a variety of ways crafters can participate. Members will be able to upload and share their own projects and craft videos. We will be highlighting craft bloggers, events, news etc. The purpose of this site is to bring the best of the crafting world all under one roof.

Karin: So does that mean Carol will be back on our screen soon?

Kelly: Carol is going high tech; so keep an eye out for Carol and friends coming to a computer screen near you soon!

Karin: So, Kelly, can you let me in on any other secrets....please........pretty please......

Kelly: Ok.....I will say this, top secret of course, there is power in numbers and my wish is to build the largest online craft community that will support the launch of a 24hr craft network. I think the networks are missing out by not seeing the huge demand there is for this type of programming. I want to prove to them that there is a HUGE demand and an audience that will support this type of programming. THAT is why I need every crafter who misses The Carol Duvall Show and other shows like hers to email us aticraftwithcarol@yahoo.com and let your voice be heard!!! In the meantime, we will producing online craft segments and shows for your viewing pleasure on the site.

Karin: So one last question.....now that I practically know Carol on a personal level, do you think she would come over to my house if I cooked her dinner?

Kelly: Maybe with a little added security and some guidelines, you might get her to accept a dinner invite.....lol......

Karin: Yay! Carol's coming over for dinner! I hope she likes Costco chicken........Anyway, thanks so much Kelly for letting us all in on the big news.

Kelly: No problem! This is really just the tip of the iceberg. Stayed tuned for more and keep those emails coming!

Karin: So are we still on for coffee next week? Kelly? .......Kelly? Ok, my little person will call your people! Talk to you soon!

*********************************************************

Isn't it amazing!! If you'd like to participate, please send an email to icraftwithcarol@yahoo.com!!

It would be wonderful if you could help spread the news, too!! Please visit Creative Chaos for information on how to pass the word and for a chance at two beautiful giveaway prizes just for sharing this awesome news!!

Bursting with Amour!

2010-02-04T09:55:00.004-05:00

Hello friends! :) I've been excited about posting one of my latest creations because I was just in love with it! And I have seen posts on other blogs about their creations for Cathy's Amour Valentine's Swap, so this is mine :)

This is the box I created for the swap:

It has so many of my favorites!!! Pink. Vintage lace. (Oh, how I love that lace!!! And I had *Just* enough to make it all the way around the top of the box!!) Rhinestones. A fan. Fur!! A bird. Swirls. Distressing...

Here's a close up of the fan...

Actually, I made a mistake. I forgot the dimensions of the box we were to be using and had to call Matt when I was out shopping. Um, and I somehow got it in my head that we were supposed to use something 8" wide and 6" tall! Oops. I think this box was 7.5"x7.5".... But that's ok, I got to spoil Tammy!

Tammy and I exchanged emails and I also read her blog. Many posts in her blog mentioned her being a fabric fanatic, so I included lots of different fabrics!! I wasn't really sure what her tastes were, so some of them were just plain fun fabrics, and then, this swap was supposed to be about giving from the heart, so I also included fabrics I would love to work with (if I knew how to sew!!).

I also found lots of embellies for her to play with, including a valentine's day flocking set! The box was unique because it came with a cool little tray in the top with dividers, so I had fun putting everything in its place :) But I forgot to take a picture of that and pictures of the sweet vintage apron I found for her- it was sheer white with tiny red flocked hearts!!!- and some of the other things, but here's some of what was in the box.

I hope that Tammy liked my Valentine's Day box and all the things inside! I had such a wonderful time making it and shopping for treats to put inside- Swapping is so much fun!!

And so are Giveaways!!!! Would you like a chance to win one of these exquisite bracelets???

Then please click HERE to be taken to Whimsical Creations' blog where you'll be given not 1 but 7 chances to win the bracelet of your choice!!!

Thank you for stopping by to visit and have a wonderful Thursday!!! :)

Old and New

2010-02-02T22:45:00.003-05:00

Hello :) Today I have updates with the old and new. Unlike the last sentence, I’ll show you something new first :)

ArtHaven is having a Bird ATC swap and here’s my contribution :) I just love this birdie image!! This image can be found here: PeggyLovesVintage Peggy sells such wonderful images in her shop, please check her out if you're a whimsical vintage image lover like myself! Hmm… I’m really liking this, but not too sure about the lillies…. What do you think??

I also started taking Cassandra Van Curen's online class thru her E-zine! There’s a link for it over there, if you’d like to sign up!! ------> The first class was today, but I have to gather supplies before I can have any fun!

But I couldn’t gather any new supplies because tonight I had to go to court for a speeding ticket- eek!! However, it was much less stressful than I thought it was going to be because Matt offered to go along with me (10 points!! lol), and I found out that I didn’t need to worry about my license being suspended. I pled guilty to a parking ticket and have to take a defensive driving class and pay a $75 fine. Whew!!

Now for the old… Remember December?? Well, I participated in Sarah’s Shabby Pink Christmas swap where we made two pink ornaments for our partner. My partner was the lovely, talented Sherri Howard! Here are the ones I received:

On my pink feather tree. Oh yes, it’s staying up year round!!

Here are the ones I made for Sheri (these pictures were taken from her blog because I forgot to photograph them, as I forgot to photograph many projects in December!!)

It’s a shaker ornament with mica inside… The sweet image here came from one of my favorite artist’s, Debrina Pratt, Etsy store.

Thank you for visiting today!! I hope you have a lovely Thursday :)

A Good Day to Sleep!

2010-01-30T18:10:00.001-05:00

Look who’s all curled up in the blankets!! :) It’s Bella!! Trying to take a warm nap in this 4 degree weather we’re having. I think I want to jump in there with her!

I decided I had to post what I made today because I actually Used My Copic Markers!!! Lol!! I have a bunch and I haven’t used them *nearly* as much as I’d like to have. Oh, and I used Chalk for the first time!! I went nuts buying all the different color chalks I could find for that just-in-case situation… Well, I actually broke them out for this! (Such a hoarder I am!)

This is a stamp by Crafty Secrets, my fav(!!) and paper by Anna Griffin (also my fav!!!). The ribbon was from the $1 bin at Target and um I think the actual piece of ribbon on the spool was maybe as long as my forearm. The paper is a super light cream and pink and the bottom one is that light cream with white flocking- not sure if you can see the flocked designs… Oh- I also used my new Memento pearlescent ink- in Pink! Or orchid or something they called it. Well, it looked pink to me. :)

This card is for my friend, Angie, ‘s friend’s niece, Daisy. Daisy was born with an incurable genetic disorder called Epidermolysis Bullosa in 2007. It is a miracle this little girl is still with us today because most babies born with this disease succumb during their first year of life. Please visit Daisy’s blog to find out more about her and her family’s battle with this terrible disease. http://www.beautifuldaisy.com

After all of us at ArtHaven heard of Daisy’s amazing story, we decided we would like to send little gifts of cheer to her and her parents. I’m not sure yet what other gift I’ll be sending… of course, I am working on another (aren’t I getting tired of these yet?) birdhouse, and I’m thinking about possibly making this one for her.

And last, but definitely not least, one of my new friends from One World One Heart is having a giveaway (not OWOH-related) on their blog!!

There are the cutest little mice and things here!! Be sure to check them out if you’re a fellow whimsy lover!

Thank you for visiting and have a wonderful evening :)

Another giveaway!! :)

2010-01-28T22:17:00.003-05:00

April from Frilyy frolic, is giving away this gorgeous pink and aqua cuff bracelet in honor of Valentine's day and her first ever blog giveaway!!

Isn't is just delightful?!?! Who wouldn't want this shabby chic goodness! :)

Please follow this link HERE to be entered into her giveaway :)

Love Sweet Love

2010-01-17T10:58:00.001-05:00

Hiya!! It’s getting closer to Valentine’s day! Yippie!! You know what that means…. pink, pink, and more pink! :) Here is my latest birdhouse- made just for the occasion!

Such sweet Pinkness!!

Ahh.. my love affair with rhinestones will never end! Lol :) And glitter, and birds, and feathers, and posies… :) If you are interested, she’s for sale in my store at http://splendidlysweet.com.

In honor of love, I also made this card for Matt’s cousin, Kim’s, bridal shower.

Yes.. I know, not pink! But her save the date was in red and white, so I figured she at least *liked* those colors! :)

Originally, I had only had the felted swirls with the medallion in the center, but Matt said it looked too plain. I thought it was ok because I wanted the eye to be drawn to the medallion and the red paper is embossed… But then I saw those pearls peeking through my desktop (which I TOTALLY have to blog about at a later date!! I WON an EZ View desktop which I LOOOOOOOOVE!!!!) and I decided to do the 3 pearl deal. Um, and then I got carried away and hand-stuck (lol!) the tiniest pearls to the swirly parts of the felt!! You might have to enlarge the picture to see, but it looks really pretty :) I hope she likes the card!

I also participated in a Swirly Love Tag swap in my ArtHaven group. Now, this is Pink!! :)

And blue! My favs :)

Unfortunately, I had a little water accident and the rest of those paper roses like the on I used for this tag got ruined!!!! I was so mad at myself! That will teach me to have a glass of water on my desktop… One bunch of these paper flowers was only $1 at the dollar store, but I’ve since gone back and they don’t have any anymore!!! People are selling them online, but they’re going for like $2.50 plus shipping! I hope the dollar store orders more of these! So pretty!

And I FINALLY found the right sized match boxes to alter for the match box swap… it only took looking at like 5 different stores!!!! Lol- I thought I was going to have to order them online. However, I still haven’t been able to find a papier mache heart box that’s over 2”. It’s getting close, so I might have to settle for a big round one… :( I guess if I can’t find one by the end of the week… You know me; nothing like waiting till the last minute!!

I hope you are in the middle of a splendidly sweet weekend! Thank you for stopping by and enjoy your day!

Snowy Days…

2010-01-08T17:40:00.001-05:00

Hello!!! I feel like I haven’t really posted on here in quite a while! I have so many new things to share… I just have to find time to take all the pictures I want and upload them! Today, I have two finished projects to show you :)

The first is a blue and gold trinket box I made for my friend, Teresa, of Maggie Grace Creates! This paper is so gorgeous… shiny metallic gold with pretty blue flocked birds and flowers! Of course, I embellished with posies, and also my favorite- lily of the valleys! And here is a view from the side:

Wouldn’t be complete without blingy rhinestones! Velvet blue trim and ruffled vintage lace complete the piece. Inside, which I forgot to take pictures of, is painted metallic gold and has blue felt lining the bottom. I filled this little box with some of my favorite treasures I’m guilty of hoarding like crazy!! :)

The next project is for a swap for the Yahoo group I’m in, ArtHaven. This is my Valentine Hangie Danglie :)

Isn’t the view from my porch gorgeous- NOT! Lol :) Oh well- it’s where I get the best light for pictures… For this piece, I used all my papers with roses or rose petals on them. Darn, I should have gotten some of those silk rose petals and made a background with them!! Ahh! Why do I always think of way cooler things to do *after* the whole piece is done! I’m not sure if you can see the “danglie” part in this photo, but be sure- it’s there! :)

Now I have to go and get started on some of the other swaps I’m in or going to be in as soon as I finish them :) Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your weekend!!

Happy 2010!!

2010-01-01T13:12:00.005-05:00

I hope everyone had a very happy New Year's Eve and is enjoying a relaxing day with family and friends today!! As the new year unfolds, lots of new swaps are being held in honor of Valentine's Day- which us PINK lovers LOVE!! Lol :) That said, I have signed up for an Amour Valentine swap held by Cathy Scalise of Treasured Heirlooms and Elegance & Whimsy!! For this swap, you make a large heart shaped box for your partner in the color of their choice and fill it with "goodies from the heart"!! If you are interested in joining, please click here to visit Cathy for more information!

And, I have been accepted into another swap - the Petite Inspiration Box Swap!! This one is hosted by Heather of the Speckled Egg!! In this swap, you are assigned a group of 4 and make 3 large match sized boxes for the other 3 members of your group. Then you fill it with vintage inspiration bits and bobs! Please click here to be taken to the Speckled Egg's blog where Heather will give you more information and directions on how to enter!

Lately, I have been bad at taking pictures of the new things I've made!! So I'm sorry for the lack of pictures! But I do have several things to share with you about past swaps and other goings on during the holiday season! Next post and we'll be up to date!!

Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful first day of the new yar!

Shabby Giveaway!

2009-12-22T19:37:00.002-05:00

Janet is giving away a cool $100 gift certificate to her store Shabby Fufu!!! Please click here if you'd like to visit her beautiful blog full of shabby goodness!

Beautiful 100th Post Giveaway!

2009-12-19T09:48:00.001-05:00

Polly of Sassafras Stuff is having a beautiful giveaway in honor of her 100th post!! Click here to visit her blog and enter!

Giveaways!!!

2009-12-13T20:21:00.005-05:00

Oooh! Suze from Junque Drawer Chick is having 3 days of giveaways!!! This photo is from Day 1, so hurry on over to enter to win The Vintage Housewife package!

Do you love Shabby Chic as much as I do?? Well then, head on over to Shabby Addict for a fabulous giveaway! You can browse the shop and find that perfect shabby something and also be entered to win an awesome $100 gift certificate for Anthropologie or $75 to Shabby Addict!

Also, Lifestyle Crafts is giving away a an L Letterpress Combo Kit , valued at $150, plus your own custom printing plate!!
Click here to enter this Awesome giveaway!!

Ellie from A Little of This and a Little of That is giving away a simplehuman sensor soap pump!!!
Please click here to visit her blog and enter for a chance to win this amazing soap dispenser! :)

Birdhouses Galore!

2009-12-09T18:30:00.003-05:00

Here are my new birdhouses! :)

This first one is an ornament and made it to the front page of Lollishops.com!!!!

These can all be found for sale at http://splendidlysweet.com :) Thank you for visiting and have a wonderful day!

Another awesome giveaway!

2009-12-08T11:54:00.002-05:00

Would you like to be the proud owner of this gorgeous creation?

What about these?

Or this?? :)
Then head on over to Rose Petals and Rust for a chance to win them all! And be sure to congratulate Stefanie on 200 followers!! :)

Two Wonderful Giveaways!

2009-12-07T12:46:00.004-05:00

Dawn, from The Feathered Nest, is having a giveaway honoring her 1200 posts and 400 followers!!!! Please click on the above picture to visit her blog filled with beautiful handmade vintage style gifts, home decor and tutorials!

Also, Lyneen of I am... Dreaming of Castles is having a Blogaversary Giveaway!! Just look at all the Ephemera in this pack that she's giving away!! What a wonderful treat- so hurry and visit! :)

More Swap Stuff

2009-12-07T12:32:00.003-05:00

Hello :) This weekend I was very busy making things! I only have a couple pictures of things, though. Some are the things I made for the Pay It Forward, but I'm not going to show them until everyone gets theirs!!

This is my Christmas Shop Row House for the ArtHaven swap! I just love how this turned out!! The paper is from Doodlebugs- of course!!! (They also made the black paper with candy on it that I used for my Halloween banner) Gingerbreads + Doodlebug = Awesome!! With all the little gingerbread men floating around, I just had to make a girl :)

And this is my Ace of Diamonds card for the Deck of Cards swap. Very blingy!!
Thanks for visiting and hope you have a wonderful week!

EZ View Desk Giveaway!!

2009-12-05T08:44:00.003-05:00

Do you want to be able to store your craft supplies in as little space as possible while still being able to view them? Then this giveaway is for you!!! Please visit Just me My Soldier and our 2 little chicks for information about how to enter to win an EZ View Desktop!

PLUS! Get entered to win the GRAND PRIZE of an EZ View Craft Desk!!!!!

Hurry!! Giveaway closes Dec. 11th!! GOOD LUCK!

Christmas-y Pictures - Yeay!

2009-12-03T09:02:00.006-05:00

Hello :) Can you believe it's the third day of December already?!?!?! Today is my daughter's birthday. She turns 10 today! Actually, 3 minutes ago! Happy Birthday Rachelle-Maria Celestial!!!!

This week, I've been busy doing surgeries at work. Honestly, I was very nervous at first- ok, it took me 2 years to try to do one by myself!!! Um, maybe 2.5. But I have finally got it! It takes a LOT of patience and steady hands to be able to work with such tiny things. For example, think of making a tiny hole in something with the circumference of a single piece of thread and then trying to put something the size of a pipe cleaner into it! It seems nearly impossible!! But I've finally done it- not 1, but 4 times! Ok, on to crafty goodness :)

Here is my glittery, blingy, pearly, Christmas-y birdhouse- unfinished!! I set a white snowbird on the perch, but didn't snap a picture of it before I brought it to the auction at Thanksgiving. My b/f's family has an auction every year- everyone who comes to dinner brings a gift or two to donate to the auction and we all bid for each piece. The money raised goes to families in need at his grandmother's church for Christmas! This year, we raised $513!!!! Isn't that just amazing??

I ended up bidding on some great things, too! Sometimes, people will wrap their items, so it's a guessing game as to what's inside. But are surprises fun? :)

I had been looking for more of these tiny birdhouses to no avail, but I finally found some more at AC Moore on Sunday!!! So I snatched up 6 more :) My blog is going to be all blingy birdhouse-d out by the end of the Christmas season!! (Ok, and maybe after that, too )

This is my Christmas ATC for the ArtHaven yahoo group :) Kewpies(!!!!!111one) are my favorite!! It's so funny- I don't like dolls too much- they scare me- but I looooooove Kewpies! So, no Kewpie dolls for me... just adorable pictures of them! lol :) They are sitting in front of my favorite wintry song- Baby It's Cold Outside! Ok, I seriously could not find a digital image of the original vintage score, so I tried to improvise with distress ink. Eh- it's cute anyway :)

Lol- and another tribute to my favorite song :) This is the fat book page I created for Robin's Fat Book Page Swap in Winter Whites! I can't wait to get my book!!! I have gotten one peek so far at one of the pages done by Mary from Green Paper and hers is just stunning!!!!!

For this page, I used a snowflake stamp and flocking powder to create the white snowflakes in the background. Originally, I had mixed the flocking with glitter, but I put too much glitter in the mix [(and then couldn't get it out!!) and had no more of that kind of flocking] and the the images ended up coming out too rough. I wanted the snowflakes to feel soft!!! So I decided to go with the flocking powder by itself. Then I made the medallion out of creamy flocked vintage wallpaper and topped it with a cream colored paper rose. This was set on top of a silver glitter snowflake and attached to my homemade flocked paper. I printed out the sentiment and cut it into a banner shape then glittered the edges. Added the silver and white pom pom trim to the bottom of the page and yeay, done! After doing this, I realized how hard it was only being able to work with limited colors!! For some reason, I don't seem to have very much cream and white embellishments in my stock! Cream millinery seems hard to come by... If you know of a great place to get some, would you please pass on your secrets!! :)

And lastly, here is my Joy banner for another ArtHaven swap! It looks much better in person- the snowflakes behind the glittered letters were misted with a pretty light blue perfect pearls mist and they're so pretty when the light hits them the right way. Couldn't get enough flocking, so I flocked the spots and ears of each deer :) The vintage lace gives it that super girly look, as do the pretty pink and red papers! Speaking of which... I think these papers are from the Basic Grey line- Eskimo kisses. Isn't is sweet?!

I hope you've enjoyed my little update :) Thank you for stopping by!! Be careful shopping out there, and may you be blessed with good parking spots! lol :)

Giveaways Galore!!

2009-12-02T14:24:00.004-05:00

There are soooo many blog giveaways going on right now!! I can't believe it!! Makes me want to have one of my own lol!! I think I will! But I have to make it, first :)

I've added a bunch of wonderful blog giveaways to my sidebar. Many of these were found by Dawn at ~The Feathered Nest~!! Please visit her blog to see even more giveaways!

Not only will you be able to enter the giveaways, but you might just come across someone new who inspires you! I am thankful not only for the chance to win gorgeous things, but also for the chance to meet someone new through their blog. I have to say, that's the best part!!

Hippity Hoppity- Happy blog hopping!

Link-y!!!

2009-12-02T07:44:00.002-05:00

Oh wow, do I have a great link for you!!! My friend, Angie, posted this link in our newsgroup and I am passing it on to you!

http://countdown.tentwostudios.com/

Here, you will find one digital image sheet per day until Dec. 25!! And these are beautiful, quality images!! So hurry!

Bluebird Giveaway!

2009-11-21T18:50:00.002-05:00

Hop on over to Koralee's blog, Bluebird Notes, to see beautiful posts!! And she is also having her first blog giveaway! Be sure not to miss your chance to win these gorgeous items...

A Long One!!

2009-11-17T20:39:00.005-05:00

Oh- it's been so long!! I have many updates and lots of pictures! Are you ready? Here is one of my latest creations.

First, I painted this shelf pink and then went over it with white pearl paint to give it pretty shimmer. Then I decorated each side with sweet pink flowers with pearl stamens and added pearl strands to them. Then I slipped a string of pearls underneath the pegs and lined the top edge with yummy pink millinery posies. You can find it here :)

This piece I painted white and then layered on a champagne colored pearl. Then I put pearl strand around the top edge and accented the heart with them. Shiny beaded ribbon completes this piece for a simple, but pretty look.

These shelves were therapeutic to make. Many of you know that last week wasn't so well- as we had to go to two wakes and one funeral. A lot of moping around the house and staring at the TV went on, so we didn't get too much done. But I was able to get some time in my craft room and was grateful for the play time.

Here is a picture of the altered Rolodex card I made for the ArtHaven swap. I made 16 of these! This was my first attempt at making these crepe paper medallions!! Honestly, a couple of them did not turn out as perfect as I wanted them, but I was already about 2 weeks late getting these out!! These were more difficult than I thought they would be- I don't have a sewing machine, so I had to use some double sided tape and pray for the best :) I don't think you can tell from the picture, but there are tiny surprises on each card... you'll see when you get them! :)

This is the Ace of Hearts card I came up with for another ArtHaven swap. LOL- I loved the idea, but this too, was more difficult than I originally thought it would be!! Lace is so finicky... And lining up the pattern of the paper took some time to get just right... It's always the littlest things!!

This is the ATC I made for the Cutest Pumpkin ArtHaven swap. At first, I didn't like how it was turning out because it was just the words and pumpkin graphic, but then I had the idea to do some embossing and added the colorful flowers and sparkley rhinestones. And added pom pom trim and that tiny spider (which took forever to cut out!!)... and I think it looks pretty cute all finished.

In other news, I won another blog giveaway!!! This one was from the Lollishops blog. Sadie was giving away an original piece of artwork by herself and Design Team Kits that had been mailed out to Lollishops very first Design Team! I couldn't believe I won!!!! Actually, there were 3 chances to win and mine was the last number chosen, so I didn't think I would be receiving a piece of artwork, but then THIS came in the mail!!!!

Isn't the angel Dollie sooooooooo cute?!?!?! I love how she made this look like a couch. The paper in the background is gorgeous too!

And here is the Inspiration Kit:

I love, love, LOVE that tiny yellow velvet flower. Ummm, so much so that I had to purchase some... These came from the Tin Tiara on Lollishops also known as Christopher Pines on etsy.

And then... My popalicioustoo order arrived!!! Actually, it came right after I went to the funeral and was a wonderful surprise. Andrea makes sure to include "some surprises" with each order- but I have to say, she outdid herself!!! There were over 5 yards of pearl flower strands, vintage jewelry, those gorgeous white bells, tiny pink bears, tiny pink clothespins, gorgeous purple ribbon flowers, little cherubs, two extra dachshund magnets, and foot long white lily of the valley with pearl strands! And these were all included for free in my order!! If you need craft supplies, Andrea is definitely someone you want to buy from. Her prices are excellent, she sells items I haven't seen elsewhere- like those beautiful gowned girls- and she is one of the most WONDERFUL people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. And she loves dachshunds (like ME!!) and does dachshund rescue. A portion of your sale goes to fund dachshund rescue through Almost Home Dachshund Rescue and All American Dachshund Rescue.

I also recently got this order in the mail from Angela Harris. I was sent to her Etsy shop by Tales from an OC Cottage. And obviously, I couldn't resist!!!! Well. It was for a good cause!!! Proceeds from these tags went to support Operation Christmas Child. There are still 4 sets left in her Etsy store. Such a great price around $7 for 3 tags and 2-3 pieces of vintage jewelry!

Now for the house... If you haven't heard, I've moved! From a duplex into an actual house! We couldn't believe we got the house at such a low price per month (we're just renting). It was only $15 more per month than what we were paying for the duplex. And it is a 4 bed, 1.5 bath house! Yes, too much space, but it's ok if the heat bill isn't too bad (crossing fingers!). Here's a picture of my pink feather tree all lit up.... These two gorgeous birds came from Walmart!!! Can you believe it?!?! And only $2 for each!!! They have soooo many ornaments there- super pretty ones!- for only 1 or 2 dollars!! Again, this tip came from Tales from an OC Cottage.... I have to stop visiting her blog before I go broke!!! LOL

Here is a picture of our living room... I was able to decorate for Christmas- and then I realized how nothing really matched each other! You can kind of see my awesome curtains!! lol I love them :) They're a light beige taffeta with brownish colored embroidered roses. I got them at Burlington Coat Factory for only $25. Matt thinks they're too light because they almost get lost in the wall... I have no decorating sense- do people decorate with light colored curtains??? Or are they usually darker?

That terrible dark spot above the mantle is not my camera nor your eyes playing tricks on you!! It is really bad!!! So I went and bought stuff to make a feather wreath with to cover it up. Boy, I didn't have any idea it would cost so much!! It was about $9 for the styrofoam, $9 for each of the boas, and $4 for the bird to put on it... I could have bought one already made for less than that! Lol Live and learn I guess :) I am not done with it yet, but I'll be sure to post pictures when it's done.

Here is a picture of the vintage hobnail milk glass lamp that was left by the previous owner. (And yes, those are my cherries curtains in the background!!!)

Ok... just one last picture and I have to say goodnight!!! Here are my vintage dachshund salt and pepper shakers!! Aren't they cute kissing? :)

Lol- I just realized how many links I had to add in here :) I like to do this so you might find other blogs and stores you're interested in too! That's how I've learned about many stores and blogs I visit, so I'd like to return the favor!! Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!!

Blog Candy Blowout!!

2009-11-10T07:12:00.003-05:00

Ok, I can't keep this one all to myself! If you'd like a chance to win at several amazing pieces of blog candy (like this awesome piece shown above!!), head on over to Lynn's blog- Trash to Treasure Art! Trust me, you won't want to miss this giveaway!

This One's For You, Penny!

2009-11-07T10:05:00.006-05:00

Hi!! My name is Binki and I live in Mommy's craft room. I'm a chinchilla and very cute and soft if you can catch me! I like to bounce around the room, but I don't think Mommy is going to let me do that in here because there is too much stuff I can get into. I have huge ears and can hear really well- especially when that dog, Bella is coming around... she tries to jump on my cage to bite me and scares me sometimes, but I know I can beat her up with my sharp teeth!

Today I'm going to give you a tour of Mommy's craft room- or OUR room, rather, because Mommy's friend, Penny Duncan of Penny Duncan Creations wanted to see pictures of where we work! Mommy says Penny is one of the most giving, wonderful persons she knows and that she also creates beautiful artwork she shares on her website that you should go peek at if you're a fellow art lover!

Are you ready for the tour?

Here is Mommy's brand new addition to her craft room!! She won this banner from Suze at Junque Drawer Chick. Isn't it soo pretty? You can see better pictures of it at http://junquedrawerchick.blogspot.com. Mommy was gushing over it as soon as she got it. It had everything she loved, she said! She said she couldn't believe what an awesome giveaway gift it was. And said that Suze makes THE most AMAZING mosaics ever! Mommy doesn't even really like mosaics, but she just LOVES the ones Suze does with their sweet pink and shabby chic look. Maybe she will get one for Christmas :)

Oh... would you look at that mess! Mommy sure is messy sometimes. She has to put all her spools of ribbon and yards of lace in boxes because she doesn't have anywhere else to store them. Oh, how I'd love to get in to those boxes and chew them up!

Mommy bought this wicker shelving from a garage sale for $15! It looks so tasty!

Mommy stole this idea of using an over the door shoe system to hold color coordinated loose ribbons and things from a bunch of people on the internet!! That thief!

Sorry for the dark picture. Mommy's new banner is hanging up over this window and she has a turn-y embellishment center on top of a file cabinet that holds all her cardstock and paper scraps. I like to imagine myself bouncing off the walls and knocking all this stuff over so I could then chew on it all!! What heaven!

Here is a snippet of Mommy's feather tree she was gushing about not too long ago. She couldn't believe she got it for $29.99! She said most of them are $70 and that she was lucky to find this one. I think feathers would tickle my nose.

These are pictures of Mommy's messy table where she glitters and feathers everything she touches! Soon, I think I will be covered in glitter, too! Ahh!!!

And this is my home!! I hope you enjoyed the tour. I am very sleepy and think it's time for my nap now. Nighty night!

Giveaway Winner!

2009-11-07T09:12:00.006-05:00

Hello!! Sorry I'm a day late with this! The Random Number Generator has selected a winner!! Drum roll please!..............

And the number it chose was number 9!!!

Scrolling down the comments section to number 9........ And the Winner is............. Peggy Loves Vintage!!!!

Oh wait.... Um, she can't win!! Lol!! She is the creator of the CDs!!!! (I had a feeling this was going to happen!) I will send her a separate prize :)

Now.... on to choose another winner!

And the winner is........ Number 14!!

Scrolling down the list again.......Congratulations Valerie!! You may pick the CD you'd like to have - Christmas, Children, or Valentine's Day!

Thank you all so much for playing!!

1st Blog GIVEAWAY!!!! 'till 11/6/09

2009-10-27T08:27:00.004-04:00

Last week, I purchased 3 Vintage Images CDs from PeggyLovesVintage (on Etsy). Peggy has the most adorable vintage graphics from old greeting cards, like these:

I just love them!!
Peggy shipped my package the same day I ordered, and I received them within 2 days afterward. I was so excited to get them and start playing that I hurriedly opened the first one and put it in my laptop CD drive. But I couldn't get it to play for some reason. So I went to try the next one, and that one wouldn't work for me, either. And then I tried the last one, and no luck there, either! Flipping the CD over, I noticed that there wasn't that usual dark ring on the back showing where the data ended- so I thought somehow the CD must not have burned or had gotten erased somehow. So I emailed Peggy, asking if there were any tricks to running the CDs that she knew of. She immediately responded- within an hour or so(!)- and we couldn't figure out the problem, so she sent me 3 of the same CDs the next day while we tried to come up with new ideas on what happened. The next day, I brought the CDs to work with me and tried them here and VOILA! Worked without a hitch!!! I found out she had already shipped the replacements, and I felt just terrible because I should have tried bringing them to work in the first place and saved everyone some panic!! So I told her I would of course pay for the other CDs. However, she said she did not want payment, nor did she want me to send them back- and instead told me to give them away to friends!!

So here is where the giveaway comes in!! The giveaway is for one of the 3 CDs:

Child Birthday Vol. 1
Vintage Christmas Vol. 2
Vintage Valentine Vol. 1

Each CD has over 350 High Quality images! They are all scanned in at 600dpi. If you would like to play, all you have to do is visit Peggy's Etsy store and leave me a comment on which of her items is your favorite!! I will have the random number generator do its thing on 6 Nov., and if you're the winner, you get to pick which CD you'd like to have from the 3 listed above. Good luck!!

I'm late, I'm late!

2009-10-16T12:15:00.004-04:00

Ok- here are the rest of the pictures for the ArtHaven swaps that were due Sept. 30!

My Halloween Row House:

My Ace of Spades card:

And my Halloween ATC- I know I've posted this already, but I added feathers and another rhinestone! Lol- just couldn't keep my hands off it :)

My Harvest Blessings Card:

And my Great Pumpkin Card:

Thanks for visiting!! :) Have a wonderful day.

Holiday Time

2009-10-06T06:42:00.003-04:00

Hello friends! :) I have 2 new projects to share with you today... The first one is an ATC for the Halloween ATC swap (which I am late on...) for the ArtHaven Group!

Can you tell I just love this image?? Lol! I wondered if I should make an ATC or tag with her for every holiday! :) Um.. you just might see it happen!

And here is a holiday "Joy" tag I put together one afternoon...

If you click on the picture, you can see the tiny red beads and white flocking and lace trim better. The holly paper is not on the tag- just a background, but how I love this paper! It's from the Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses line.

Speaking of which, I also made a mini album with that paper and the Dewfrost paper from Memory Box this weekend, but it's not finished, so that's for a future post :)

Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-09-22T18:43:00.003-04:00

Ok- maybe it's a little too early for that, but I am happy (And it's never too early for CANDY)! I made my first banner / garland! I love them and I think mine turned out pretty cute:

I LOVED this paper and the idea to make a banner with candy shaped pieces just popped into my head one day! Good thing I found some thinner chipboard than the ones I originally bought!! Those are like 3x as thick as the ones I used for this... I think it would have taken me forever to cut all those pieces out! Some sugary vintage German glass glitter makes the cute lettering sparkle and I just love the silver bows... There are tiny little embellies "hidden" on each candy shaped piece, too! :)

Thank you for visiting and I hope you're having a wonderful day!

Hello, Stranger!!

2009-09-18T21:20:00.004-04:00

Sorry!! It's been so long since I last posted... Here are some of the things I've been up to...

I made this card. Um, I was trying to make a quilt card, but this turned out more like a really pretty window!! Oh well... At least it still looks pretty :)

I added some things to my Joker card for the Art Haven swap. hehe- I thought I was being clever by adding a "silver lining" to the cloud :)

These are pictures of my latest jewelry box. It's painted white and distressed for that weathered look. Then I added cream and white flocked vintage wallpaper to the drawers. I love, love, Love(!!) flocked paper! Cream felt lines the inside of all the drawers and a white pearly knob sits in the center of each one. But the cutest things are the two german glass glittered cherubs on each side of the box! Even though I love this, it's in my Etsy store.

I have been into tag making lately... Here are my latest tags. The first one I made for my friend, Jan. I thought she might like the style since she liked the last tag I had done. The second one I made for Jan's friend who just found out she has colon cancer. Jan is awesome and is making a tag gate for her! You can read more about that HERE. I have also made duplicates of these and put them in my Etsy store.

And last, but not least, I recently bought this shabby chic mirror. And it came with 2 matching sconces that hold taper candles. It's 3' long!! And now proudly hanging in my craft room. And it was only $30!!!! I couldn't believe it. I felt like such a thief coming out of the thrift store!

I also bought a white armoire from a garage sale for only $40! No pics of that yet, though, because it's not here yet. Also, we are moving soon! Into a 4 bed, 1.5 bath house. Woohoo!

Tomorrow we are supposed to go to the World's Largest Yard sale at the fairgrounds. Now it's Jello time and then probably off to bed soon. Thanks for stopping by! :)

Swaps Complete!

2009-08-26T22:55:00.004-04:00

Yeay!! I am finished with my August swaps for ArtHaven! After much thought, I finally came up with this idea for a row house.

Doesn't it look like a candy shack!! I told Diann (the one receiving my house) that she wouldn't want to move into this house because she'd be sure to gain 20lbs. lol :)

Pretty white lace accents the pink, glittery roof with gorgeous raspberry velvet ric rac. Pretty jelly beans show in the glittery windows separated by a yummy little cupcake. Lollipops greet you at the door, complete with a "candy button" doorknob!

I don't know why I do so many things with candy and treats! It just makes me hungry!!!

And last, but not least, is my finished tag!

I love the way this came out... Actually, I think it was the easiest to come together! But it sure did take the longest to figure out what I was going to do! I really had no idea how to start with this one... But then I found this ballerina girl image and everything else fit into place!

This is a digital image from a one by one sheet from LandofEnchantment. I messed around with it in Photoshop and then printed it out. The sweet little ballerina girl is all dressed up in a glittery pink outfit with pink pearls in her hair and a sparkley rhinestone earring. She's dancing to the music behind while light pink roses fall around her. Vintage cream lace and pretty rose trim edge the piece and it's finished off with pink and white baker's twine.

This week, I was also given an award from Penny and Rita!! It is so wonderful to be recognized by such outstanding artists, as well as genuinely beautiful ladies! Thank you so much!

The rules for this award are that I must list five things I love to do and then pass it along to five other people.

1. Sit and play in my crafting room!

2. Shop online

3. Eat the delicious food Mr. Pie makes me!

4. Spend time with my loved ones- online pals and animals included!

5. hmm... having a hard time coming up with something else... I guess I will say- singing

Ok. And now to pass on this award:

Maggie Grace Creates - Teresa I heart her!!

Polka Dot Barn - Jan Such a wonderful, lovable and talented woman!

Arty Retreat- June Be prepared for eye candy galore!

Art By Wanda- Wanda OMG- Wendy Vecchi better watch out! lol, I'm serious!

Thrifty Miss Priss- Robin Such a sweetie- you must check out the awesome project she did with a crib bumper!!

Time for beddy now :) I hope you've enjoyed your visit and thank you for coming! *Hugs*

Busy Weekend!

2009-08-23T13:37:00.002-04:00

Hello! :) The last few days of this week, I had off, so I was busy making things for swaps!! (And trying to get further on some projects that still aren't finished!)

Here's a card I made for David- his last day is today, but my last day working with him was Wednesday. It's kind of a neat card-- I have problems trying to make masculine things!! I went with cream and black for this and then added hardware stamp cutouts to give it a more rustic feel.
Inside, the card was bright blue!! With a crying Hello Kitty! Nothing like a personal touch, right :) Here is the card I made for the Fall card swap in my ArtHaven group. I don't know why I signed up for this swap!!! I don't really like fall colors, and didn't have any! Lol :) I had to run out and get black cardstock, even. I kind of lifted this design from a card I saw at Buffalo Stamps. That one was just black with the gold embossed tree, but I, of course, had to add more things to mine!! The tree stamp I got at Michaels for a dollar. When I went to use it, I found out just why it was a dollar- it was mounted crooked!! Lol- so it took a while to get it straight!

This is my Joker card I made for the Deck of Cards swap for the ArtHaven group. I think the little bunny look soo cute!! The only thing is that the right side looks a little plain... Hmm... I might have to add something over there... This was the first time I got to use a paint sample in something, and I used the grass sticker Deloris gave me in her package of goodies she brought for me when we met last week! Thank you Deloris!!

And finally, my favorite, is my Lady ATC for the ArtHaven swap. Um, I love this so much that I don't even want to give it away!! LOL How terrible is that?!?! I will have to make a double so I can keep one. It is funny, too, because the lady is holding a flower in the original graphic, but I cut it out because it looked too much like the other ATC I had done. Well, I didn't even notice when I went to put her on the paper, but the vine from the flowers on the paper ended up right in her hand!! Lol :) I sparkled up her dress and gave her some perfect pearl eyeshadow. Vintage lace and millinery flowers that matched the colors of the flowers on the paper completed the look.

Ok... now I must go get ready to go to Matt's parents' house for a yummy pork dinner! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Giftaway!

2009-08-21T10:42:00.003-04:00

Today I bring you wonderful news of a fabulous giftaway!! Jan, of the Polka Dot Barn, has once again graced us with a chance to win TREASURES, this time for her Happy Birthday *AND* to celebrate 100 followers!! Not just any treasures, but these beautiful vintage items!!

Just look at this gorgeous brooch! 100% vintage, and not a stone missing! Look at all the colors the crystals are reflecting! This is sure to bring dancing rainbows of color to any special project! And if that weren't enough....

This darling vintage handbag will knock your socks off!! Black velvet with tiny seed beaded designs, complete with a satin lining. Just beautiful!

With over 100 followers now, you should give that index finger a workout and hurry on over to the Polka Dot Barn for your chance to enter! And remember to leave Jan lots of Love :)

Lazy Summer Days...

2009-08-18T10:58:00.003-04:00

The time is just flying by... I feel like I haven't done much lately, although I have a few projects going at once... I've actually been busy making cards. I've made 3 cards over the last week or so, but I forgot to take pictures of 2 of them. Oops!! Fortunately, I was able to get this picture of David and the card I made for him for getting his PhD.

Something you don't see too often... David actually smiling in lab! Lol :) He's been working his butt off for the last few years, so it's really great to have this picture. It's been a hard, long road. I guess most research is!

My boss called me up about 2 hours before the event and wanted me to pick up a card. I made one instead, but only had an hour to do it!! And you know me... it takes hours of thinking for me to even begin to create something... lol :) This card was pretty simple- except for I am really particular about using the embossing as a background. I have to have exactly the same number of dots (I used the swiss dot folder) on each side of the text!! I think I almost annoy myself sometimes! And I was super lucky that I picked up that ribbon along the edge at Michael's earlier that morning because that's the only navy ribbon I had!

Last night I finish this fouffy shelf.

As you can tell, I love mirabou! And pearls. And rhinestones. And shimmer.

Here it is holding some of my supply jars and vintage lace.

Pretty flowers!

It almost looks Christmas-y, don't you think? I want to make one in pink, but there is no pearl pink paint. Well, I haven't seen any at the stores... I might just have to make my own. I love the pearl paints- they really cute-n things up. Hehe, yes, I am making up my own words today. This is what happens when you don't blog for a while! lol! Have a wonderful day :)

Gush Gush Gush!!!!!!

2009-08-11T21:09:00.004-04:00

I was going through my Google Reader the other day, when I came across this picture.

I stopped scrolling and hurriedly clicked on the title of the post- called "A New Fabric Heirloom Book! " And saw THE most GORGEOUS fabric book I have ever seen!!!!!! I love this book so much that I am dedicating this ENTIRE post to it!!! Here are some pictures of what I saw, with Cheryl's permission, of course. For more pictures, please visit her at Confections.

A beautiful blue lace up corset that opens to reveal pretty paper to record private thoughts...

A beautifully embroidered undergarment clad Marie among her favorite sweets!

A gorgeous gorgeous gorgeously embroidered Marie in all her Pink glory!

Marie's pink ball gown- lift it up to reveal another place to write down secret messages...

Vintagey tags and german glittered crown!

The CUTEST hand sewn Marie pockets!

Yet Another hand embroidered Marie!

A beautiful blue ball gown!

Vintage lace, feather, and blue flowers....

The cutest little couple pictures!

Beautiful torn ephemera...

Isn't it just DIVINE?!?! Cathy Scalise of TreasuredHeirlooms.net and EleganceandWhimsy.com is the Luckiest woman alive! Lol- she is the proud new owner of this TDF book! (And she makes some of the most beautiful heirloom gifts I've also, ever seen!)

Please, visit Cheryl at Confections and take a look! Maybe you, too, will want one of her gorgeous books! If you get one... get me one too!!! lol :) Until then, I know what I'm saving all my extra moneys for!

Woohoo!

2009-08-09T18:30:00.004-04:00

Hello! Here is my latest card- it's a birthday card for one of my best friend's mom. Using my new Cuttlebug, of course! :) And a super cute House Mouse stamp!

Last week, I was also fortunate enough to go to some antique stores in Tonawanda! Just look at all the vintage lovelies I found!!

A gorgeously aged cyclopedia! Not only does it have a beautiful cover, but inside are great drawings and information on social etiquitte from times past.

My first vintage apron!! This apron is so pretty with its sheer sea green color and lace accents! It even has a tiny pocked edged with lace. And only $3.50!

I found an organizer for $4.00- so I finally have somewhere to put all my Copics! These small vintage frames were such a steal at only $1.50 a piece!! And at the bottom is something that looks like part of a printing press- but I don't know what it's called. I liked it because the little man on it reminds me of the Monopoly man! And I bought it for a whopping 75 cents!

3 gorgeous millinery flowers and Tons of lace!! There are 30 yards of vintage lace edging on the card alone!! And it was only $2.50!!! And THEN, I found this FREEZER BAG full of lace fabric- for only 3.50!!!!

Last, but not least, I found one of those glass Christmas pickles!!! I think it is a German tradition- but not quite sure... The tag says the pickle is hidden on the Christmas tree and the one who finds it gets a special Christmas surprise! :) Hmm.... Almost sounds like a good blog hunt for Christmas! :)

Ok... just had to share! I must now go get settled from returning from our weekend at Matt's family's cabin. As always, thanks for visiting!!

Journals for Cancer Patients

2009-08-05T16:40:00.002-04:00

One of my friends on the ArtHavenCreations yahoo group is looking for journal donations for patients fighting cancer. Any kind of journal, decorated in any way you might choose, would be perfect! These journals will be given to patients so that they may have a special place to write their feelings, draw, doodle, or put special items in them as they fight their battle with cancer. If you would like more information on this project, please don't hesitate to contact Shirley Nagel at SRCattle@aol.com. She will be able to provide you with more details and her mailing address so you can send her your artwork.

Thanks for visiting! :)

Thank-you-card

2009-08-04T22:15:00.001-04:00

Thank-you-card, originally uploaded by cuddle_buddie.

Here's my thank you card for my grandpa :) I used the music notes because he really loves to sing. I think he was in the church choir for, almost, ever!! I don't get to see him much- he lives in CT and is 91 years old- but I love and miss him so I wanted to make this card special for him.

And yes.... this has been the only thing I've made lately. I was away for the weekend down at Matt's family's cabin and then yesterday at work, I got bit by a rat! Actually, it didn't hurt that bad, but I must have gotten more allergic because my hand looked really gross covered with these huge hives. I put some Benadryl spray on it and the hives went away, but last night, I couldn't sleep because my hand hurt because it was swelling up. This morning, my hand was almost twice the size as usual, so I took some Benadryl at work thinking it was allergy related. Of course, then I wanted to pass right out! My boss sent me to the doctor after filling out an incident report... I think she was upset I hadn't told her yesterday, but I have been bitten before, and the bite that happened yesterday and a mere scratch! But I've never had this swelling thing happen- especially so far afterward. Anyway, I went to the doctor who gave me a script for Amoxicillin after telling me I had a low grade fever. My boss wants me to go see the allergist tomorrow, since I wasn't able to get in today... All I want is for this itching feeling to go away and my hand to return to a normal size!!

But anyway, that's why I haven't done too much the last few days. Hopefully tomorrow I can get some more done... :) Nitey nite.

2009-08-03T16:26:00.003-04:00

Here's a pic of my sleeping bunny necklace from Nikoart!! I *love* this necklace!!! I almost left it at the cabin this weekend on accident! Thank goodness Mr. Pie (Matt) saw it before we left... I would have been one sad girl!

Along with the necklace, I got all these great stamps from Nicole, too! Aren't they the cutest?!?!

And she even threw these things in as extras!! If you like her style, please go visit her Etsy shop- Nikoart!

While I was away, I also received this award from Rita!! Rita is my lovely friend from Texas, and lately she has been working on some journals to donate to cancer patients (post to come about that!). Her journals are absolutely gorgeous!!! I might just have to see if she'll make me one!! Please visit her blog to see these and all her other elegant artwork!

I know I am supposed to pass this on to 5 other people, however, I see this award has already gotten around to lots of the blogs I read!! So, I'm offering this award to you if you're a follower of my blog and you've not gotten this award passed on to you yet! Feel free to copy the image and put it on your blog- don't forget to nominate 5 other blogs, too! :)

Stars-ATC

2009-07-30T15:13:00.001-04:00

Stars-ATC, originally uploaded by cuddle_buddie.

Here's my latest ATC... This was actually my first design idea for the Vintage ATC swap, until I saw that Marie Antoinette collage!!

I used a stamp from the Crafty Secrets Kewpies stamp set... You know... I don't really like dolls too much- but it's because they scare me!! But I just LOVE kewpies!! But I don't like trolls.... I must just be weird!
Anyway, I distressed the edges of the paper with Faded Jeans and Peeled Paint. The moon stamp is actually a tile stamp, but I just colored the moon part of it with a yellowish marker to only get the moon on there. There is perfect pearls swirled behind the stars that are raised with foam tape. The stars were punched out of paper I glittered with Stickles. The bunny has brown flocking on it and the palest pink glitter highlights Ms. Kewpie's flower band and dress. All other coloring was done with Copics.

It's funny, but I don't think any of the stuff I've made looks very good in the pictures!! The glitter doesn't catch the light the same... the colors aren't as bright, the stars don't pop out as much, and you really can't touch the flocked bunny on this in a photograph!! PS That's a moon in the upper left hand corner! :)

Shellys-Journal

2009-07-29T23:14:00.001-04:00

Shellys-Journal, originally uploaded by cuddle_buddie.

This is the journal I made for the ARTHavenCreations journal swap! Definitely some different colors for me! My partner listed black, hot pink, and lime green as some of her favorite colors, so this is what I came up with :)

The journal is lined with black glittered paper. I think that's why the pic might have turned out not so great. The binding is covered with black velvet ribbon, and hot pink velvet ribbon surrounds the "Journal" stamp that I flocked in hot pink flocking. The little vintage cherub is colored with Copic markers and he sits raised above his journal, writing with a long pink feather pen! Rhinestone chain surrounds this image and millinery flowers accent corners throughout.

More candy!!

2009-07-28T15:40:00.004-04:00

Wow- I have been finding a ton of blog candy lately! I usually feel bad entering for candy- because I don't want to just start following someone to get their wares- you know what I mean? I usually only follow those people who create things that have touched me in some way, or are similar to my own projects. Or are just SO AMAZING at what they do, I'm just compelled to follow! Well, lately, a lot of people whose blogs I follow have been giving away scrumptious candy! Jan, of The Polka Dot Barn, is no exception!!! Just look at this finely detailed gorgeous Spring banner she is offering up as blog candy!

Isn't it just Divine!?!?! Please, please go visit her blog and enter in the drawing for her candy! Happy blog candy-ing! :)

Would you like to receive a Special Gift?? Pay It Forward!!

2009-07-27T20:53:00.003-04:00

Come take part in this special little game!

This game is called Pay It Forward and I found out about this through Koralee's blog, called Bluebird Notes! This is how we play:

I will send the first 5 people who comment on this post a little treasure!

I am willing to send my package overseas ( I am in the U.S.), but remember, you must commit on your blog to do the same for 5 others. I make no guarantees that you will like what I send you, but you may be pleasantly surprised.

What I send will be just for you, made with love, by my own hands.

I will complete all 5 gifts this year - 2009

I will not give you any clue what it is going to be, it will be something made in this world, something that you can touch and feel, and not something cyber.

In return all you need to do is post this text on your blog and make 5 things for the first 5 people that respond to your blog post. I will contact you to confirm and get your mailing address.

Everyone is welcome and it doesn't matter what you hand craft. I guarantee that you will receive something from me providing you do the same for 5 other people in your blog post.

If you would like to join in and 5 people have already agreed to participate on my blog, go stalk the blogs of the first 5 who responded until they post their Pay It Forward and get on their list!

I am so excited to see whom I will get to create something *special* for!! Please comment if you would like to join in the fun!!

Let's Play!!! :)

First-ATC

2009-07-26T22:26:00.001-04:00

First-ATC, originally uploaded by cuddle_buddie.

Okie- this is my very first ATC! Well... let me rephrase that. This is my very first COMPLETED ATC ! Lol! :) My favorite color is blue, and I was lucky that the person who's going to receive this in the swap loves that color, too! This was a digital photo (you can find the credits for that in the post below) and I dressed her up with feathers, a rhinestone, german glass glitter, spica pen, fine glitter, and a pink millinery posy. Distress ink was used for the background and the stamped letter. Oh yes, I also used Perfect Pearls to highlight the light blue portions of her dress, but it doesn't show in the photo. That looks really cool, though, because it makes her gown all shimmery in the light! I'm glad that after a few tries, I finally came up with something I liked!! :)

Candy to Celebrate Shelly's 1 Year Blogversary!!

2009-07-25T07:50:00.002-04:00

Yikes- it's 7:50AM and we are up because Bella said "Daddy! Get up!! It's time for you to go to work so I can go for a ride in the car!!!" Bella does not understand the concept of Saturday. hehe :)

But we had to be up early anyway. There's a big craft show today in Tonawanda- yes, really!! This time won't be one of those 12 booth ones!!! LOL! I don't know how I always pick those tiny ones to go see... Hopefully we will find lots of inspiring art there!

In the meantime, I have a link for my friend's blog candy!! It's Shelly's 1 year blogversay so head on over and join the party!! She has tons of chances to win some of her goodies, including two gorgeous necklaces and an adorable lace trimmed cuff! Plus, you'll get to see all of her creations over the past year!!

Ok- I will be back later after the show and Matias' first birthday party!!

First Birthday Card

2009-07-24T22:23:00.003-04:00

It's my first first birthday card! Lol :) And my second card ever...

And inside...

Um... yes, I realize the inside part is supposed to go on the outside....

And I realized tonight how badly I need a tape runner if I'm going to make cards!!! I Mod Podged this card together and realizes it doesn't dry totally clear on colored cardstock... However, I forgot about making a card until about 8pm tonight...

But I thought it looked cute enough to give :)

Not slow...But Slow

2009-07-24T10:40:00.004-04:00

Ok- I really have been working on new things over here, but I'm becoming a perfectionist!! And I am waiting for supplies! I think today all my new Crafty Secrets stamps will be here along with my original Copic marker order!! Woohooooo! Fun for the weekend! Lol.

On the only Yahoo group I'm really active in, ARTHavenCreations_Friendships, I signed up for a few swaps. Not because I think my work is that great- but kind of for a selfish reason.... well, 2 selfish reasons, actually! 1 was it seemed like fun getting someone else's art work in the mail!! (Anything but bills, right?!?!) And 2 was for the challenge of teaching myself to try something new. It seems like I work much better with deadlines. Like, besides the things I put on Etsy, I usually start a piece close to a birthday or shower or some other kind of due date and then I'm focused on getting it done!! But it is harder for me to get a lot of things going for the store maybe because I don't have anyone specific in mind.

But anyway, I am getting off topic! Somehow I ended up in a Vintage ATC swap!! Lol! I think it was because I commented on someone's post about seeing Penny's ATC and signing up for the swap in hopes of getting it!! I commented that I had had thoughts about doing the same thing, but I didn't actually mean to sign up! However, fate had this in store for me, so I have been working on finishing that by the end of this month!

And I have gone through 2 different design ideas, and at least 5 ATCs. hahahhaha.

But it's not right yet, so I can't post pics!!

But yesterday, The Graphics Fairy blessed me with this gorgeous Marie Antoinette digital image sheet!!!!! Please click here if you are interested.

So last night, I almost made the perfect ATC! (Perfect for the theme of the swap, I mean!!)

Yeah....until I forgot to stamp the background before I laid the picture over it....

And before glitter somehow got ALL over the place.

LOL!

So, I have to print out another sheet at work today (shhhhhh- I don't have a laser printer.... But work does!!) and fix these two things. I think it looks ok... but honestly, I would feel bad, almost guilty, if I sent out something I didn't think was my 100% best effort! Do you do that too?

Oh, and another wacky thing about me.... The more things sit around, like jewelry boxes or other things I've made, the more I want to add things to them!! Like, I will look at that light blue jewelry box I just made and think, hmm, maybe I should outline the flower jewel with glitter! Does this happen to you, too??

Ok, I am off to get ready for work! Hopefully I will have some updates later tonight!! :)

Get Well

2009-07-23T11:20:00.004-04:00

I don't know why, but I just love get well stamps!!! Like this one from House Mouse-

Or this one from Crafty Secrets-

Of course I would like this second set.... I am in LOVE with Crafty Secrets!!! All of their stamps, all of their scraps- EVERYTHING! Their designs are so whimsical and vintage-y. Matt bought me all the Crafty Secrets stamps sets on RitzCamera.com for my birthday on Tuesday! They're on their way to me and should be at my house tomorrow night. YEAY!

Slacking...

2009-07-20T22:04:00.005-04:00

Yikes! I have really been slacking on my blog :( Sorry!!! I think tonight I'll share a funny story with you... :)

A weekend or two ago, I finally cleaned up the upstairs bedroom and bought a 6' (haha I almost typed 6") table... So now I have a new crafting space! Yeay!! But you know, we should always remember where we came from, so I won't be changing the title of this blog! Anyway, soon enough, I set to work on some jewelry boxes I was trying to make for my Etsy store. I loved the idea of feathers and flowers, so I bought a mini glue gun- one of those $3 ones from Michaels. When I bought it, my first thought was "I wonder how many times I'm going to burn myself on this thing..." and my second thought was "Wow, only $3... Wonder if it will even work!!" But I plugged it in and squeezed the trigger and soon enough it was pumping out the sticky stuff! It worked well with my feathers and then the flowers so I was pretty happy with my $3 purchase. :)

Until the next day. When I went back into the room and Matt found out I had forgotten to unplug the darn thing!! And a hot puddle of glue was sitting on my brand new table.

Needless to say, we went to the craft store that day and Matt did not let me leave without purchasing a glue gun mat.

Lol. And wouldn't you know- I did it again!!!

So now I have to develop an OCD about checking to make sure it's unplugged. (It's not on right now. I SWEAR!)

While looking through my HUGE Google Reader list, I found June's blog candy! She is offering a ton of different goodies such as round inkable pendants, metal letters and frames, rub ons, ribbon, stamps... the list goes on!! Visit her blog, pick up her link to post on your blog, and leave a comment to enter! Plus, you'll get to see all the wonderful Artwork she creates, which is candy in itself!!

And while I was there, I found MORE blog candy! Such a cute necklace! I looked in Val's store, but there isn't another with the same colors. However, there are many other super cute pieces, so check it out!

Lastly, after my glue gun story, I bet you want to know how those jewelry boxes came out... Lol :) Here they are!

Ah... Flickr mosaics :) I love em!

Premo Meme Award from Penny Duncan!

2009-07-13T21:43:00.004-04:00

Wow! My very first blog award!! This award was given to me from Penny Duncan from Penny Duncan Creations! I was totally FLOORED when I saw this award she had left for me on her blog!

Thank you so much, Penny! If you haven't already, you should visit Penny's blog- she creates the most wonderful, elegant and useful SCAL files (such as boxes and little bags) as well as Beautiful artwork!

So... 7 facts about me...

1. I was adopted from Seoul, South Korea when I was 13 months old. I was seriously left on a doorstep in a blanket, just like in the movies!!

2. I have had a serious love for Dachshunds for as long as I can remember :)

3. My favorite number is 9.

4. I am currently subscribed to 155 different things in Google Reader, so I am almost never without new blog posts to read! Lol- I am always trying to sneak on at work to catch up with everyone's blogs... :)

5. I'm engaged :) We're thinking about wedding plans in the next year or two, but no definite plans yet... But for now, talks are focused around getting married in Hawaii (how funny you should mention Hawaii on your post, too, Penny!) and spending 2 weeks there on our honeymoon. :)

6. Before crafting, I used to spend most of my free time playing Second Life. I found out about Second Life while watching CSI NY one night, but didn't actually sign up for it until months later! I always found myself stunned by other's creativity "in-world". You should take a look if you have a good graphics card- don't worry, it's free! But there is also an economy in SL, so you can spend and make money just like you would in Real life... Especially if you are good with photoshop and/or programming.

7. I am OBSESSED with pink and aqua vintage! Or anything Pastel-ey vintage. I love, love, love those cute whimsical animals! Hopefully I will be able to produce beautiful work like these things very soon...

1. Stunning Cloche with Birds 2. Sweet Eye Candy Creations 3. Rosanna's Custom Shadowbox, 4. Sugary Advent Calendar

And now to pass on this award :)

1. Teresa Atkinson of Maggie Grace Creates- Beautiful crafts and a wicked sense of humor! A definite must-read!

2. Rita of Rita's Creations- One of THE Sweetest souls I have met online!

3. June of Arty Retreat- Wonderful art and generous woman!

4. Christina of Christina's Creations- Some of the cutest cards, some with an elegant vintage touch!

5. Analise of Sugar*Sugar- Her blog inspired me to delve further into crafting because her art came out so wonderful (the last picture in my collage is of her work)!

Mail Anyone?

2009-07-10T10:13:00.008-04:00

I just finished my mail holder project! I love how it turned out! (Very excited- can't you tell, hehe)

Wooden Distressed Crackle Paint Shimmery Velvet Wall Pocket Mail Holder

This was really fun to make. I love the shimmery paper- it's so elegant! And of course, I love the velvety ribbon :) I started out with the crackle paint- I knew I wanted it on the sides. Then I put the paper on the front, but it was a little bit difficult at the top because of the way the wood is cut. Then I cut out paper diamonds from the paper with the old letters on it and distressed the edges a bit more. I edged those with the velvet ribbon and did the accent pieces topped with a velvet bow. Stamped the sides and a coat of matte varnish to finish it off. I bet I could make this in 3 days now... It just takes longer the first time cuz you don't know what to do with everything!

Ok- so I know I've been promising sparkley things, but I have had such a hard time with the glitter!! It gets all over Everything!! Especially places I don't want it to be.... I've spent a couple hours picking all the glitters off one by one with my craft knife... What a painstaking job, but it really annoys me when there is a little fleck here and another one there and so forth. Funny- I would get them unstuck, but then I'd blow on them to make them go away, and they'd just fly onto a different piece where they shouldn't be! I need a bigger table! Or a bigger brain! :)

But anyway, I should be able to post pics of them tomorrow. I varnished over the glitter so it wouldn't rub off on everything it came in contact with, but I want to make sure it's completely dry before I put everything back together. Then they just need some finishing touches and voila! Pics for everyone :)

New-s

2009-07-07T22:14:00.002-04:00

Today I went to Hobby Lobby for the first time. It was pretty cool! They were having a 50% off sale on ribbons and I found some pink and blue ribbons with snowflakes... Maybe it is just in July, or maybe it's because Christmas is such a busy time of the year, but I've read a lot in other blogs lately about beginning to start Christmas projects... So when I saw pink ribbons I had to get some since most of the Christmas stuff is red and green. Well, by the time I end up getting to it! I also got some charms and a gingerbread man. I Loooove gingerbread mens... or people.... or whatever the PC term for it would be lol.

I also went to City Hall for the first time today. What an interesting building. I must have been overcome with awe because I tripped up the stairs outside and almost went sprawling onto them!!

In crafty news, I got my new paper cutter yesterday. I bought it on ebay for like $25, but it normally goes for $40. So I was happy for the discount :) I am almost done with 5 projects. The other day, I made the same mistake twice!! I went to glue on the papers, but I wanted them in a particular order. But I get so excited to do the papering because I can't wait to see the end result--- and I glued two things upsidedown!! Argggh!! I must learn much more patience... Breathe in... Breathe out... Maybe this will help my giddy-ness :)

Ok. Hopefully tomorrow I will have pictures of new things for you. Sparkley new things :)

Finally... A Post!

2009-07-02T22:16:00.005-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I haven't completed anything new either!! Isn't that terrible? I think I may have had my pride hurt by a comment. Yes... me and my overly sensitive self... Someone found out how much my birdhouse sold for (not from me) and said something like "I can't believe someone paid that much for it" because it was just decorated by me with paper, glue, paint, stain, trim, etc. I know this person didn't mean to make me feel bad, but I guess I must because I hear the comment echo in my head and it's been almost 5 days. lol. Oh well. Everyone likes different things...

Anyway, today I thought I'd practice my picture taking. My friend, David, who advised me to create SplendidlySweet.com and helped me get the domain name and everything, told me I needed to take better pictures. So I read up a bit on the Etsy forums and played with my camera a bit. But so far, I've only been able to take pictures on a plain white background. Um, it's actually two plain sheets of computer paper- one flat on the table and the other propped up against "things in progress". We don't have any extra lights in the house, either, so these pictures are just in natural light. I put them in photoshop to touch them up a little bit and here's how they came out:

Oh yes- this is my latest order from Popalicious! To tell the truth, I was missing one thing that I had ordered- some blue silk roses- but I definitely got spoiled with free items! For instance, I received a ton of that pink fringy paper trim- like 5 yards or more!- and the pink lace trim, and the white trim from the same picture, and over 100 pink carnival tickets, the rhinestone ornament, and two of those dotted ribbons. I bought one grab bag and in it was the silver brooch. I can't tell you how much I LOVE this piece! It is so pretty! I couldn't believe they included it in a $5 grab bag!!

I also figured out how to use Google Reader this weekend. Actually, before this past weekend, I didn't know it even existed. But Analise from Sugar*Sugar posted instructions on how to use it on her site and I thought it would be awesome to get live feeds from my fav Etsy shops and the blogs that aren't thru Google. I'd be going to my fav. typepad.com blogs everyday instead of reading them through the Dashboard page since I couldn't add them on there. But with Google Reader, I have everything all in one place! And it shows who's updated right away, so I can follow my 70 blogs (so far) and tons of stores- lol!

Ok... hopefully I will have more pictures to post soon :) Almost time for bed, so nighty night!!

Just felt like blogging...

2009-06-25T23:55:00.003-04:00

Today marks the last day I have to stay at work until 10 or 11pm! Yeay! I set everything up for lab tomorrow so I can just go in, run an experiment, and leave, so hopefully I'll be out at a decent time! Even just to see the sunshine would be good!!

I also got my order from Popalicioustoo today!!! I love love love love love that store!!!! In fact, I loved my order so much that I had to go back and get more! Here's a link.... oh... it is linked to their name :) haha- I am still figuring out this blogging thing... Tonight I worked on my layout so it didn't look so terrible!!! I have to figure out how to make the tables not opaque, but I'm too tired to do it right now... Maybe tomorrow morning I will take pictures of the awesome stuff I got :)

On a sadder note, I have to pay my respects to Michael Jackson. He was a great inspiration to many and his music really opened the doors for some of the other genres. Even though we really haven't heard from him in the past few years, or at least, heard anything positive, it's sad to know that he'll never be able to influence music and people in the same way again.

We went to dinner tonight at Friday's and they played a few of his songs... This made me want to go out dancing tonight because I can just imagine that all the places will be blasting his music up and down the street and he had some great great dance songs! But I was a good girl and went home... It's almost midnight, but I've only been here like 45 minutes and need to unwind!! So I'm going to read some blogs and call it a night. Nighty nite :)

Kaelynn's project- Finished!!!

2009-06-24T12:53:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures of the finished Wicker Drawer Set!

Isn't it adorable? I didn't want to make it too baby-ish because I wanted her to be able to use it for a loooong time. Oh, did you see Hello Kitty? :) hehe. Just had to add that in there. And did I mention, I love bows and ribbon??? Couldn't tell, could ya :)

Wedding Day

2009-06-20T13:36:00.003-04:00

Today I'm going to a wedding for Matt's cousin. So, of course, I had to practice my card-making skills... (Which aren't many!!!)

And here's a swatch of fabric from the dress I'm wearing. Isn't it pretty? It's so not me, so I don't know why I like it!! But it's shiny and fun- it's a handkerchief dress- hide those extra pounds... well, maybe not hide them, but at least cover em up in pretty fabric! lol

Hm... looks like it needs ironing... Guess I'm off to do that!!

Yeay!

2009-06-18T09:31:00.004-04:00

Yeay! I've posted my first wood item on Etsy! I think I started thinking about how this would look a few weeks ago! It's cool to see it really materialize...

Pink Hello Kitty Jewelry Trinket Treasure Box with Mirror

I love the mirabou :)

I got these papers from a Hello Kitty origami pad I had from way back when, aren't they so cute?

Last night I was trying to make another one of those wooden signs. It looked really cool. Before I decided to coat the whole thing in varnish!! Well, the varnish wasn't the problem... It was how much I put on!! I basically slathered the whole thing up and left it on my craft sheet- but it pooled onto the back of what was to be a two sided sign... So that wasn't good!! I ended up throwing it out... Yes, another thing I had to throw away!! I have another piece of wood though, so hopefully I can just make it again today. I am also really close to finishing two other pieces, so that's great! It is kind of fun working on more than one thing at once. But I wonder if I worked on the same kind of piece and just did a bunch of them if it would go faster. Hmm... I will have to think about that. The auction for the charity event is tomorrow, so I'm trying to get stuff listed in my store so that it's kind of ready if people meander there on Saturday... That and tomorrow night I start working until like 11pm at work. Ugh!!! 2-11.... I will have to do all my crafing tomorrow morning! I was trying to find something to be able to take all of my stuff with me, but so far, I've only acquired a cropper hopper for all my papers, ok, not all of them, but most of them!! Oh, and those tackle boxes for my embellishments. Matt says he has a bag I could use... Maybe I will see tonight if everything will fit in there. haha- Crafting at my desk at work :)

Treasure?

2009-06-17T09:41:00.005-04:00

You're looking at it!! This is the treasure box I made for Mauricio. We'll have to see if he likes it!
All he said was that he wanted an old look to it-- I might add a spinner thing to the front... Boys always want something to play with!! lol

Update: I added the spinner :)